Weather

Another early winter-like storm on the northern Plains

Across the Corn Belt, mild, dry weather favors corn and soybean maturation. However, early-season harvest efforts in the northern and western Corn Belt have been hampered not only by delayed maturation, but also by soggy field conditions. On October 6, topsoil moisture was rated at least one-third surplus in Michigan (57%), Minnesota (55%), North Dakota (50%), Wisconsin (49%), Iowa (35%), and South Dakota (34%).

On the Plains, conditions are deteriorating in Montana, where wind-driven snow is starting to accumulate. Meanwhile, cold, breezy weather is arriving across the Dakotas. In stark contrast, mild, dry weather across the central and southern Plains favors fieldwork, including winter wheat planting and summer crop harvesting.

In the South, unsettled, showery weather lingers along the southern Atlantic Coast, especially in Florida. West of the Appalachians, dry weather accompanies the return of above-normal temperatures. Acute, short-term drought continues to favor autumn fieldwork but adversely affect pastures and fall-sown crops. On October 6, pastures were rated at least 60% very poor to poor in Virginia (71%), Kentucky (65%), Tennessee (65%), South Carolina (61%), and Georgia (60%).

In the West, an extreme wildfire threat is developing in parts of northern and central California, leading to electricity being cut in some areas as a preventive measure. Many other areas, stretching from southern California to the Four Corners region, are also experiencing windy, dry weather and an elevated threat of wildfires. Farther north, cold air is settling across the Northwest. In the northern Rockies, snow accompanies the chilly weather.