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Longer-term dryness expected after rains

A principal atmospheric scientist says much-needed rain is in the forecast for portions of the Corn Belt this week.

Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions tells Brownfield the additional moisture is coming to Minnesota, Missouri, Illinois and the Eastern Corn Belt.

“There’s a half inch to more than an inch of rain in the system, but most of the area getting that moisture will have it soak into the soil and many will be able to get back in the fields the next day and keep going.”

Once the rains move through, Snodgrass says an earlier-than-usual frost and dry weather are expected, which means…

“Harvest windows will stay open,” he says. “But we have to get moisture back in for 2 reasons: fall fertilizer applications and moisture in the river systems. The Missouri, Mississippi and Ohio River tributaries are low as well.”

Snodgrass says the longer-term October weather outlook isn’t promising for additional moisture in the Corn Belt and Delta.

Snodgrass says it will take a full season to replenish dry soils and low bodies of water and he’s optimistic for more moisture once El Nino weather conditions become more significant.