Fall harvests could look different in parts of the country
The calendar may only read the middle of July, but The Old Farmer’s Almanac has released its outlook for the coming fall.
“A warm interior wrapped in cooler weather will shape the weather for Fall 2026,” the almanac says.
Based on the guide’s predictions, parts of the Corn Belt could see different conditions come harvest time.
The upper Midwest, for example, could experience “a cooler-than-average September (that will) give way to a slightly warmer-than-average October. September rainfall is expected to be slightly above average before a wetter-than-average October.”
Temperatures for September in this part of the country has averaged 66 or 67 over the last five years, and averaged between three and four inches of rain.
At the same time, the northern Heartland could be a little warmer than average with cooler conditions in the south. Overall, producers should expect a drier than average September before October brings increased levels of rain.
Other fall weather predictions include:
- Warmer than normal temperatures with a drier than normal September and October in the High Plains.
- Farmers in the Lower Lakes can expect cooler conditions in September before the mercury rises to near normal levels in October. This increase in temperature will also mean a little less rain.
- Cooler and drier than normal for producers in the Appalachians. September temperatures could be two degrees lower, and September and October may receive less rain than normal.