Here are the patterns of precipitation and temperature departures across the Corn Belt for October so far. The eastern half of the Corn Belt experienced both wetter and cooler than average conditions for the month. Meanwhile, the western Corn Belt was both drier and warmer than average.
October is off to a wet start and the wet weather is expected to continue over the next 14 days for Illinois. This could have an impact on the already slow fall harvest season in Illinois. The USDA NASS report on Monday noted that 14% of the corn crop in Illinois was harvested, compared to a 5-year average of 34%. Also, 10% of the soybean crop was harvested compared to the 5-year average of 18%.
Here is the precipitation over the past 24 hours. Amounts of 1 to 3 inches were widespread across central Illinois. This was the same area that received much above average precipitation in September, according to the post on September.
Here is the NWS Quantitative Precipitation Forecast for the next 7 days. The heaviest precipitation is expected to fall in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. For Illinois, amounts are in the range of 1 to almost 3 inches. Continue reading “Wet Weather Continues in Illinois, Could Delay Harvest”
