News

Dry weather in the forecast

An ag meteorologist says warm, dry weather is in the forecast for the Midwest through Memorial Day.

Drew Lerner with World Weather Incorporated says that’s good news for planting progress and crop emergence.

“Even though we have dryness out there, the priority is to get seed in the ground so when it starts raining, the crop can take advantage for yield.”

Beyond the next week, Lerner says the rain and sunshine will alternate.

“The rain that will fall is going to be lighter than usual and a little sporadic, but not a terrible environment as long as we can stay away from excessive heat.”

He tells Brownfield that should be possible in the short-term, but the existing drought conditions are being closely monitored across the Midwest.

Lerner says the Delta region has been a lot wetter than the Midwest this spring and there will be a break in the rain for the next week to 10 days.

“They will benefit greatly from the weather pattern in the next week, but could run into a drier tendency down the road.”

Lerner says field conditions have improved in Minnesota and the eastern Dakotas, but planting progress continues to lag and there is more rain in the forecast.