Weather

Drought intensifying on the central, south Plains

Across the Corn Belt, very warm, dry weather persists east of the Mississippi River. Among Midwestern States, Michigan led on July 5 with 14% of the corn rated very poor to poor, followed by Ohio (11%) and Indiana (10%). During the week ending July 5, the sharpest increases in topsoil moisture rated short to very short were observed in Ohio (from 31 to 70%) and Michigan (from 41 to 71%). Elsewhere, showers and thunderstorms dot the upper Midwest.

On the Plains, a few showers and thunderstorms continue across the Montana and the Dakotas. Farther south, dry weather accompanies the return of near- or above-normal temperatures. Intensifying drought remains a significant concern across the central and southern Plains; on July 5, topsoil moisture rated short to very short ranged from 47% in Kansas to 64% in Oklahoma and Texas. On the same date, rangeland and pastures in Colorado were rated 41% very poor to poor.

In the South, a low-pressure system drifting northeastward across Georgia is helping to focus shower and thunderstorm activity. A separate area of rain is occurring west of the Mississippi Delta. The Southern showers are slowing fieldwork but maintaining mostly favorable conditions for pastures and summer crops. On July 5, nearly three-quarters (73%) of the U.S. rice and 69% of the peanuts were rated in good to excellent condition.

In the West, scattered showers are affecting the northern Rockies and environs. Elsewhere, cool weather in the Northwest contrasts with Southwestern heat. In fact, an Excessive Heat Warning is in effect across parts of the Desert Southwest, where Tuesday’s high temperatures could reach or exceed 110°. New Mexico continues to lead the region in topsoil moisture rated short to very short—81% on July 5.