Weather
Unsettled across the central, southern Corn Belt
Across the Corn Belt, thunderstorms continue to provide relief from dry conditions west of the Mississippi River, although the rain is too late for many summer crops. Elsewhere, mild, dry weather favors corn and soybean maturation. On August 29, more than one-half (59%) of the U.S. corn had dented, while 9% of the crop was fully mature. On the same date, 9% of the U.S. soybeans were dropping leaves. Among Midwestern States, North Dakota led with 24% dropping leaves.
On the Plains, hot, dry weather across most of the region favors summer crop maturation and harvesting. Tuesday’s high temperatures will approach 100°F as far north as northwestern Kansas and could reach 95°F in parts of eastern Montana. Early Tuesday, significant rain is confined to eastern Nebraska and neighboring areas.
In the South, post-hurricane rescue efforts continue in the hardest-hit areas of southeastern Louisiana, while recovery is underway across the remainder of the central Gulf Coast region. Some inland areas, mainly across eastern Louisiana and central and southern Mississippi, are contending with major river flooding, although rain has ended. The return of hot, humid weather is complicating hurricane recovery, especially in areas where power has not been restored. Early Tuesday, Tropical Depression Ida was moving northeastward into the Tennessee Valley, perpetuating the threat of flash flooding.
In the West, a strong surge of tropical moisture arriving across Arizona and environs is increasing the risk of flash flooding. Meanwhile, northern California’s wildfire crisis continues, with multiple fires further spreading and billowing thick smoke. The nation’s largest active blaze, the Dixie Fire, has burned nearly 778,000 acres, with containment less than 50%. Elsewhere in California, the 187,000-acre Caldor Fire, just 15% contained, continues to approach Lake Tahoe.
