Above normal precipitation continues in many parts of the nation as does the winter wet season, and above average snowpack already in the region of California’s main source for water supplies could mean an end to drought for much of the Golden State. The precipitation in California could even produce some flood concerns in the short term.
Here in the Midwest it is muddy, and getting worse. The potential of muddy fields come spring planting time is a concern that Midwestern farmers face with these current field conditions. Livestock producers are also concerned.
“The one thing that has become a problem is the mud, because here we are in January and we’ve had rain and mild weather and it’s just sloppy out there in a lot of areas until you get to the far north where we still have a snowpack,” said USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey.
He added incoming cold air will help to freeze the ground in the Midwest.
“But we may have to deal with it again once we approach spring planting season, but for the time being I think maybe a little freeze up might not be such a bad thing.”
Rippey also said stormy weather throughout much of the Midwest will continue through late winter and early spring.
“We’re getting to the point now with the mud already in place and more wet weather expected, that we may start talking about the possibility of mud and spring planting delays in various parts of the Midwest. The worst of the mud right now is across the central and eastern Corn Belt where the rain has been heaviest of late.”
Rippey said just a few weeks ago, dryness was starting to creep into parts of the southern and western Corn Belt, but ice and rain storms have eliminated any concern about drought. Hoosier Ag Today’s Ryan Martin says near term temperatures in Indiana will average a little above normal for January into February. He is looking for a more active weather pattern for February but can’t completely guarantee that it turns into a cold snowy pattern.