Weather

Late summer heat expands across much of the Plains

Across the Corn Belt, sunny weather favors summer crop maturation, albeit at a slightly slower-than-normal pace.  On September 11, twenty-two percent of the U.S. soybean crop was dropping leaves, compared to the 5-year average of 28%.  Wednesday’s high temperatures will range from near 80°F in much of the eastern Corn Belt to 90°F or higher in western corn and soybean production areas.

On the Plains, late-season heat continues, despite a gradual increase in cloudiness.  Wednesday’s high temperatures will reach 90°F or higher in many locations from Texas to South Dakota.  Widely scattered showers have developed in Montana, which led the nation on September 11 with topsoil moisture rated 93% very short to short.  With 10% of the intended U.S. winter wheat acreage planted by September 11, soaking rain will soon be needed in many of the Plains’ major production areas to ensure uniform emergence and proper establishment.

In the South, warm, dry weather prevails, except across Florida’s peninsula.  As wet conditions ease, Southeastern fieldwork is accelerating.  On September 11, lingering wetness led to topsoil moisture being rated 35% surplus in Louisiana, along with 22% in Alabama and 18% in Georgia.

In the West, shower activity is shifting eastward across the Intermountain region toward the central and southern Rockies.  Meanwhile, unfavorably dry conditions persist across the Far West, where approximately eight dozen active wildfires have collectively burned more than 800,000 acres of vegetation.  In northeastern Oregon, the Double Creek Fire—sparked by lightning on August 30—has charred 155,000 acres, with containment reported at 15%.