The latest Drought Monitor was just released and it shows conditions in the south are continuing to improve after recent rainfall.
Farmers in Texas are especially seeing relief this week with the rain making a significant dent in prolonged drought areas. However, dry conditions did intensify in the central and northern plains and many farmers have submitted reports to the National Drought Mitigation Center with reduced crop yields and deteriorating pasture and rangelands.
Now that we are into September, fall is supposed to be on the way but a big heatwave is keeping summer around.
Several cities and states in the western part of the U.S. are seeing record-breaking temperatures in the first part of this month. USDA’s meteorologist Brad Rippey says a cool down is on the way, but it could come at a cost to west coast producers.
“Hurricane Kay could come close enough to southern California to significantly increase humidity levels across southern California and the Desert Southwest, that may also come with the risk of tropical showers especially from Friday into Saturday,” according to Rippey.
He says that this could bring flash flooding to rural areas and impact crops. Storms could also bring lightning that ignites wildfires.
Related:
Louisiana is assessing crop damage after six straight days of rain
Texas cotton farmers are keeping the faith amid extreme heat and drought
