Weather
Hot weather on the southern Plains, seasonal heat across the Corn Belt; storms in the upper Midwest
Across the Corn Belt, moderate temperatures favor reproductive to filling summer crops, except in the middle Missouri Valley. Later Friday, much of Nebraska and South Dakota—extending into western Iowa and southwestern Minnesota—should experience high temperatures ranging from 95 to 105°F. In addition, dry pockets remain a concern, especially in the western Corn Belt. In the 4-week period from July 8 – August 4, Des Moines, Iowa, received rainfall totaling 0.13 inch.
On the Plains, hot weather continues to adversely affect rangeland, pastures, and various summer crops, including cotton and sorghum. Nationally, rangeland and pastures were rated 49% very poor to poor on July 31, along with 32% of the sorghum and 28% of the cotton. Friday’s high temperatures could reach 105°F as far north as South Dakota. Dry weather covers much of the region, though showers have developed in conjunction with a cold front crossing the northern Plains.
In the South, showery conditions and the threat of rising rivers have returned to eastern Kentucky, where recovery efforts continue more than a week after a devastating flood occurred. Showers extend to other areas, including the mid-South and the Tennessee Valley. Very warm, humid weather prevails throughout the region, with the hottest conditions affecting the western Gulf Coast region and the southern Atlantic States.
In the West, widespread showers are associated with a robust Southwestern monsoon circulation. Areas receiving rain, including the Great Basin, Intermountain West, and Southwest, are experiencing superficial drought relief, such as topsoil moistening and improved vegetation health. However, much of the West is still suffering from the consequences of a multi-year drought, with profound impacts on reservoir storage, groundwater reserves, and forest vitality.
