Ag Weather Forum

Drier conditions indeed helped the planting cause in the central U.S. over the weekend. There was some above-normal rain in northern Illinois through northwestern Indiana, and normal totals in central and eastern Iowa. Elsewhere, however, rainfall totals were below normal.

Below-normal rain was especially noted in the northwestern Corn Belt. In fact, much of the Dakotas and Minnesota were completely dry. This drier trend combined with warmer weather to enhance planting and emergence conditions.

The week ahead features rain focusing over the western Midwest along with much of the Plains. DTN forecast rainfall totals of 1.5 inches to over 3.5 inches are common in the northwestern Midwest during this week. Rain began Sunday night-Monday in South Dakota. In contrast, southern and eastern Midwest locations do not have showers beginning until May 18. This later arrival of precipitation offers another day or two of opportunity for progress. Eastern and southern Midwest total precipitation is also lighter, with a range of .80 inch to 1.5 inches.

Bryce Anderson can be reached at bryce.anderson@dtn.com

Follow Bryce Anderson on Twitter @BAndersonDTN

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