A recent increase in temperatures is causing some crop concerns across the Midwest.
Here is a look at the latest drought monitor for the region. Last week, there was hardly any color on the map in this area, but now it is covered in abnormal dryness, with even extreme drought in Missouri.
USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey says everything is okay now, but every dry day leads to bigger worries.
“We have certainly seen a rapid warming trend. Temperatures have been approaching, reaching, or even exceeding 90 degrees in recent days—and that is adding to the crop moisture demands,” Rippey said. “It’s also contributing to further losses in topsoil moisture. So we’re getting to the point in parts of the Midwest where moisture is going to be very critical soon. Still, a few weeks away from crop reproduction, but with each dry day, we are getting closer to concerns for these 2023 summer crops.”
