Weather
Scattered rains build into the western Corn Belt
Across the Corn Belt, scattered showers are slowing fieldwork mainly along and west of a line from Wisconsin to Missouri. Fieldwork continues to progress at a rapid pace in the eastern Corn Belt. During the week ending May 22, Michigan planted nearly one-third (31%) of its intended corn acreage—reaching 65% planted overall.
On the Plains, heavy showers and locally severe thunderstorms continue to disrupt fieldwork in some areas. Early Tuesday, some of the heaviest rain is falling in parts of Kansas. Most of the region is experiencing warm, humid weather, but cool conditions prevail in Montana.
In the South, warm, mostly dry weather prevails. A few showers are spreading across the mid-South, while clouds linger in parts of Virginia. During the last 4 weeks, chronic wetness has hampered fieldwork in the southern Mid-Atlantic States. In Virginia, only 46% of the cotton and 34% of the peanuts had been planted by May 22; respective 5-year averages are 84 and 67%.
In the West, very cool weather persists. Widely scattered showers dot the northern half of the region. In the southern Rockies, breezy, dry conditions are leading to an elevated risk of wildfires.
Forecast High Temperatures (National)
Add Comment