Weather

CENTRAL PLAINS

A few small disturbances will try to bring some needed rain over part of the central and south plains in the next few days. Rain does not look to be that heavy, so no real drought improvement is expected. The good news is harvesting delays are expected to be minimal for the first half of this week. A stronger batch of storms has a better shot of bringing needed rains to aid in establishing crops.

NORTH PLAINS & NORTHWEST

Some cooler days in the Dakotas as a small front will sweep through early this week. We are not seeing any sustainable moisture coming to these areas. Gusty winds at times raise the fire risk. Above-average temperatures will build by the end of the weekend keeping the machinery in the field for harvest. Stronger storms are forecast for the Pacific Northwest as a bend in the storm track delivers rain over the next couple of days. Later in the week, a stable pattern keeps our outlook dry through next Monday.

SOUTHEAST & DELTA

Little chance of rain and above average highs remain on tap for the southeast and Mississippi delta, permitting fieldwork to stay ahead of schedule. Water levels on the Mississippi River have become extremely low again, causing restrictions on transportation.