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Dry conditions in Midwest not a concern yet

The director of the Midwest Climate Hub says conditions are dry across the Midwest, but he’s not concerned.

Dennis Todey says dry conditions allow the roots of row crops to develop, but he’s closely watching the conditions of pastures and ponds.

“If we’re not seeing improvement of those in the next few weeks, I’ll get concerned. It’s harder for those to recover based on if they’re cool season or warm season grasses.”

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows drought worsening in portions of Iowa and Missouri. Abnormally dry conditions are showing up across central Illinois. Todey says drought is also getting worse in the High Plains.

“Between Nebraska and Kansas especially and then, getting into the panhandles of Texas and Oklahoma.”

Todey says there is rain in the forecast and any improvements in soil moisture and conditions from the upcoming rains will be reflected in next week’s drought monitor map.