August's second week brought a sigh of relief to the corn belt. Rains, especially heavier in Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, quenched the region’s thirst to an extent. However, the north received only light showers.
The temperatures were mild, marking this period as the 13th coolest second week of August in the last three decades. This climate, combined with the received rain, helped to curb evapotranspiration, which is a boon for crops.
But it’s not all sunny news. The United States Drought Monitor observed positive changes in regions like southern Iowa, central Nebraska, and parts of Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. The central Corn Belt, though, remains gripped by drought, longing for persistent, heavy downpours.
The upcoming forecast for the third week of August is a mixed bag. It starts wet but is then followed by drier days, with rain possibly returning by week’s end. It's predicted to be among the coolest and driest third weeks of August in decades.
Although temperatures are expected to be around average levels, by the end of the week, a heatwave could affect the southern regions. Despite low soil moisture levels in the centre, mild temperatures may alleviate crop stress.
Source : wisconsinagconnection