Weather

Winter-like cold prevails across most of the Heartland; Great Lakes snowbelts remain active

Across the Corn Belt, the coldest air of the season remains in place, with Monday’s Midwestern high temperatures expected to range from 15 to 32°F.  Additionally, snow squalls continue downwind of the Great Lakes, while an atmospheric disturbance crossing the upper Mississippi Valley is producing snow showers.  Especially in areas with snow on the ground, conditions have become more difficult for livestock, given the sudden turn toward cold, blustery conditions.

On the Plains, unusually cold conditions persist in much of Montana and the Dakotas, where a variable snow cover, ongoing drought, and gusty winds are contributing to increased livestock stress.  Cold weather has also curtailed winter wheat development, especially across the northern half of the Plains.  Dry weather prevails, aside from snow flurries on the northern Plains.

In the South, freezes were noted early Monday as far south as northern Florida, while readings below 25°F were reported from the Tennessee Valley into the middle Atlantic States.  Producers are taking advantage of the cool but dry weather to complete any remaining fieldwork, including summer crop harvesting and winter wheat planting.

In the West, dry weather accompanies near- or above-normal temperatures.  Open weather favors off-season activities, including farm maintenance, as well as any remaining fieldwork.  More than a week ago, on November 24, the cotton harvest was 95% complete in California, along with 78% in Arizona.