Across the Corn Belt, sunny weather favors summer crop maturation, albeit at a slightly slower-than-normal pace. On September 11, twenty-two percent of the U.S. soybean crop was dropping leaves, compared to the 5-year average of 28%. Wednesday’s high temperatures will range from near 80°F in much of the eastern Corn Belt to 90°F or higher in western corn and soybean production areas.
On the Plains, late-season heat continues, despite a gradual increase in cloudiness. Wednesday’s high temperatures will reach 90°F or higher in many locations from Texas to South Dakota. Widely scattered showers have developed in Montana, which led the nation on September 11 with topsoil moisture rated 93% very short to short. With 10% of the intended U.S.