Recent rainfall provides temporary relief for corn and soybeans
ST. JOSEPH, Ind. – Corn and soybean fields across Michiana saw short-term relief from drought conditions with the past week’s rainfall, but the short burst of rain will not sustain crops across the region.
Michiana got some of the rain it needed to bring totals up closer to the monthly and annual average, although some portions saw more rain than others.
Southwestern and southern Michiana averaged a little more than an inch of rain while the northern half received half an inch less. (These totals are manually reported by a network of trained spotters)
Nationally, the harshest drought conditions are impacting the heartland, specifically Kansas and Nebraska. However, Michiana is still experiencing primarily abnormally dry conditions amid the drought.
Drought conditions are expected to worsen in the coming weeks as the weekly U.S. drought monitor report releases tomorrow.
The last five days of rainfall show the bulk of rain falling in the central and southern United States with a concentration specifically closer towards the Gulf of Mexico. While Michiana did not receive the most rain, any precipitation is beneficial towards crops like corn and soybeans.
Crops like corn and soybeans found much-needed refuge from the drought yesterday.
Drought conditions are negatively impacting Michigan’s corn conditions more than Indiana’s. The hoosier state is still seeing overall decline, but to a lesser extent than its neighbor to the north.
Soybean conditions, similar to corn, are more favorable in Indiana than Michigan right now. Michigan took a 10% fall down to 30% over the past week.
The U.S. The Department of Agriculture still lists Indiana and Michigan soybean conditions as above “good,” but both states continue to suffer from drought conditions with little relief in sight.
Keep following the ABC57 First Warning Neighborhood Weather Team for continual updates on when the next rainfall is expected.