Extreme heat is expected across the eastern half of the country this week. Several heat advisories and warnings are now in effect.
Some of the country’s largest corn and soybean states, including Iowa and Illinois, are expecting the highest temperatures this week, with heat indexes topping 100°.
The National Weather Service warns that the prolonged heat could significantly impact crops, especially since this is the season’s first heatwave.
Lows in the 70s will offer little relief overnight.
It will be important to stay safe and keep heat-related illnesses in mind this week.
Several signs of heat exhaustion include cramps, rashes, excessive sweating, feeling weak, and headaches. Heat exhaustion is a signal that the body is losing its ability to maintain a stable core temperature, but heat stroke is a medical emergency. Signs of heat stroke include a lack of sweating, cognitive ability failures, and seizures.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold explains how springtime brings seasonal changes to agricultural operations and, with them, renewed concerns about safety, allergies, and mental health this week on Rural Health Matters.
April 22, 2026 03:49 PM
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Louisiana State University Professor Shelly Pate Kerns says a late freeze forced widespread replanting of some crops across the state.
April 21, 2026 03:37 PM
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Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us to discuss the latest crop progress report and how market uncertainty and input costs are shaping planting decisions this spring.
April 21, 2026 12:00 PM
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Jarrod Hardke with the University of Arkansas break down extreme drought conditions, shifting planting decisions, and the impact of rising input costs on Arkansas agriculture this season.
April 20, 2026 04:32 PM
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Louisiana farmers say high water levels routinely threaten crops, highlighting the need for critical infrastructure and sustainability efforts in the Bayou.
April 20, 2026 03:37 PM
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Effort aims to reduce wildfire risk in Western Colorado communities
April 20, 2026 02:31 PM
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