Weather

Summer-like warmth, humidity for most, more severe storms, flooding; colder air-on-the move

Across the Corn Belt, dry weather has returned across the lower Great Lakes region. However, there is little separation between weather systems, as a new cold front is already crossing the far upper Midwest. Consequently, Friday’s high temperatures will range from near 35°F in the Red River Valley of the North to 85°F or higher in the middle Mississippi and lower Ohio Valleys. Producers are bracing for a severe weather outbreak, expected later today, mainly along an axis stretching from Wisconsin to Missouri.

On the Plains, a strong cold front extends southwestward from the Dakotas. Across the southern High Plains, in advance of the front, a significantly elevated wildfire threat persists due to dry conditions, low humidity levels, and wind gusts near 40 mph. Sharply colder air trails the front, accompanied by a few snow showers. Friday’s high temperatures will range from near 35°F in North Dakota to 90°F in parts of western and central Texas.

In the South, very warm, mostly dry weather prevails. Most producers are achieving a torrid planting pace, yet warily watching increasing levels of stress on drought-affected pastures, winter grains, and emerging summer crops. On April 12, statewide topsoil moisture rated very short to short ranged from 51% in Florida to 95% in South Carolina.

In the West, a cold wave is peaking with widespread freezes observed as far south as southern Utah. Freeze Warnings were in effect early Friday for many valley locations across the northern two-thirds of the western U.S., extending deep into Utah and western Colorado. Although dry weather has returned across much of the region, snow showers linger across the northern and central Rockies and environs.