The latest U.S. Drought Monitor still shows signs of widespread drought despite some of the welcome rain seen in parts of the country.
Temperatures across the south were 8-15 degrees above normal this past week, with dryness expanding in parts that scattered rainstorms missed. Parts of the Midwest saw drought improvements of up to one full category this past week. States like Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, and Wisconsin had several rain events move throughout the area.
While dry weather helped farmers quickly reach the end of the harvest season, prolonged dry conditions have many farmers eager for more rain now that harvest is over.
With 67% of states rating very short to short on topsoil moisture conditions this week, it is safe to say parched fields could use some precipitation.
The dry conditions have also impacted the Mississippi River, which is low for the third year in a row. The low water levels brought weight restrictions for barges, leading to additional costs for farmers in the middle of harvest.
Oklahoma was on the receiving end of some much-needed moisture this week, but it did bring damaging tornadoes.
Six tornadoes were confirmed over the weekend near Blanchard, Newcastle, and Harrah, downing trees and causing damage. Over the last seven days parts of Oklahoma saw 8 inches of rain.
It brought much-needed moisture for wheat planting which has been delayed across parts of the state.