Weather
Beneficial rains for parts of the Midwest
Across the Corn Belt, several thunderstorm clusters are providing generally beneficial moisture for immature corn and soybeans. However, pockets of flash flooding are occurring in the upper Midwest. On August 16, prior to the current rain event, topsoil moisture was rated 41% very short to short in North Dakota and Wisconsin.
On the Plains, widespread showers and thunderstorms in the vicinity of a strong cold front are slowing fieldwork but benefiting immature crops from the Dakotas to northern and western Texas. Markedly cooler air trails the front, with Tuesday morning’s temperatures falling below 50° across the northern High Plains.
In the South, scattered showers continue to provide beneficial moisture for pastures and immature summer crops. Recent rainfall has been less impressive in the western and central Gulf Coast States, where topsoil moisture on August 16 was rated 82% very short to short in Louisiana, along with 69% in Mississippi.
In the West, hot weather persists, except along the immediate Pacific Coast. Dozens of wildfires are actively burning in California and the Northwest, causing reductions in air quality and threatening several communities. Oregon led the nation with 58% of its rangeland and pastures rated in very poor to poor condition on August 16.
Forecast High Temperatures (National)
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