Weather

Moderate drought areas expanding in parts of the Corn Belt

On the Plains, scattered showers continue across southern areas, while cool but drier weather is returning farther north. Varying degrees of drought persist on the central Plains, where topsoil moisture remains in short supply for crops, pastures, and livestock.

Across the Corn Belt, dry weather prevails across much of the region, with pockets of moderate drought developing in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. In contrast, locally heavy showers are easing dryness in the Upper Midwest.

In the South, spotty showers continue from eastern Texas to the southern Atlantic Coast. Despite early-week showers, more rain is needed across the drought-affected Mid-South, where corn is entering reproduction. Likewise, severe to exceptional drought persists in parts of the Southeast despite recent rainfall.

In the West, warm, dry weather persists, promoting fieldwork and crop development. However, breezy and dry conditions are maintaining the threat of wildfire development and expansion in parts of the Intermountain West.