By Jim Noel
The weather pattern is not real supportive of rainfall. The weather models continue to try and support rainfall of normal or slightly above normal, however, current topsoil conditions along with a west to northwest flowing weather pattern does not support that. The last 7 days shows dry conditions across most of the corn and soybean growing areas.
In light of that, we expect 0.25-0.50 inches of rain per week the next two weeks on average with the range from near none to 2 inches in isolated areas. Normal per week about 0.75 inches. Hence, total rainfall for the next two weeks is forecast to average 0.50-1.00 inches with normal being about 1.50 inches for two weeks.
There is some indications that a more normal rainfall pattern will return for the second half of August but still much of Ohio will end August normal or below normal rainfall due to the quite dry first half.
Temperatures for August will average normal to slightly above normal but most maximum temperatures will be 80s to near 90 in the coming week or two.
The latest NOAA/Climate Prediction Center 2-4 week and monthly outlooks can be found at:
For the latest on the expanding dry areas in Ohio visit The Drought Monitor at:
We expect to see the dry areas expand this week across the corn and soybean belt including Ohio.