The cool sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean recently returned to normal and negated the potential La Nina conditions that sometimes bring drought to the Corn Belt, says Mike Palecki, Regional Climatologist at the Midwest Regional Climate Center (MRCC).

“Typically, normal sea surface temperatures in the Pacific bring a greater chance that rain will be a little more abundant than normal in the Midwest,” says Palecki. “Unfortunately, the High Plains are still in a serious dry mode. As a result, the western end of the Corn Belt might be drier than normal this summer, based on current conditions on the ground.”

Farmers in western Nebraska have already begun operating center pivots to help get the corn crop up, points out Palecki, “which is not a good sign from a financial standpoint.” For the rest of the Corn Belt, however, soil moisture conditions and the weather outlook are favorable, he adds.

The entire Corn Belt has equal chances for normal, above normal or below normal temperature and precipitation for June, July and August, according to the latest forecasts from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). To learn more about the outlook for precipitation and temperatures in your area during the next few weeks and months, isit the NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.

For more information about weather conditions in the Midwest, visit the MRCC Web link, and for more information about weather conditions in the High Plains.

Leave a Comment

Name (required)

Email (will not be published) (required)

Website