Weather
More storms break-out across parts of the Corn Belt
Across the Corn Belt, unsettled, showery weather persists from the lower Missouri Valley into the Great Lakes region. By June 27, statewide topsoil moisture was rated at least 30% surplus in Michigan (38%), Illinois (32%), and Missouri (30%), with some areas reporting standing water and flooded lowlands. In contrast, serious topsoil moisture deficiencies persist in South Dakota (90% very short to short), Minnesota (75%), and North Dakota (66%).
On the Plains, ongoing drought in Montana and the Dakotas is maintaining stress on rangeland, pastures, winter wheat, and spring-sown crops. On June 27, one-quarter of the U.S. barley and 39% of the spring wheat was rated in very poor to poor condition. Meanwhile, showery weather across the southern half of the Plains is generally benefiting summer crops but causing renewed winter wheat harvest disruptions.
In the South, the remnants of minimal Tropical Storm Danny are drifting westward into Alabama. A broader area of tropical moisture is sparking showers across Florida, along the Gulf Coast, and west of the Mississippi Delta. On June 27, topsoil moisture was more than one-fifth surplus in Louisiana (24%), Georgia (22%), and Alabama (22%).
In the West, June 28 was the hottest day in recorded history at a host of Northwestern locations, including Oregon communities such as Salem (117°F) and Portland (116°F). In Washington, Olympia (110°F) and Seattle (108°F) also set all-time temperature records. Slightly cooler air is arriving in the Pacific Northwest, but record-setting heat continues farther inland. Farther south, however, showers are providing limited drought relief, mainly in the southern Rockies.
