Drew Lerner, Author at World Weather

Central America/Greater Antilles Crops Devasted By Drought

Kansas City, September 16 (World Weather, Inc.) – An El Nino-enhanced drought has caused an estimated 35-45% loss of corn production in Central America and a 40-75% cut to the crop in the Greater Antilles. Serious losses to the rice crop have occurred as well, especially in unirrigated areas. Meanwhile, sugarcane has also suffered from drought with that crop seeing fewer losses than corn and rice due to its better resistance to drought and heat. A large part of this region will receive greater rain during the next two weeks than what has occurred recently with the boost in rain beneficial for water supply while having a largely positive impact on crops.

U.S. Midwest Harvest To Advance Slowly From Waves Of Rain

Kansas City, September 18 (World Weather Inc.) – Harvesting of corn and soybeans is underway in portions of the U.S. Midwest. Rainfall during the past week was enough to slow or delay early-season harvesting and general fieldwork in several areas, most notably from Iowa, Nebraska, and northern Missouri into portions of northern Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Another active weather pattern through the end of next week will continue to limit harvesting and general fieldwork with exceptions for southern Illinois and neighboring locations. Precipitation will otherwise be welcome for any crops that are not yet maturing. A drier weather pattern will likely evolve late this month into early October, which should gradually improve harvest conditions for much of the Midwest

U.S. Southern Plains To See Relief from Hot, Dry Conditions

Kansas City, September 18 (World Weather Inc.) – Nearly two months of excessive heat and drier-biased conditions have caused significant crop and livestock stress in the U.S. Southern Plains this summer. Some short-term relief is possible in the coming days as a frontal system bringing scattered showers and thunderstorms and cooler temperatures enters the region next week. Despite relief, the driest areas in the eastern Texas Panhandle and west-central Oklahoma are expected to remain drier biased. NOAA’s 90-day seasonal precipitation outlook, released Thursday, suggests the potential for wetter than normal conditions October through December. The forecast is based largely on past strong El Nino events and World Weather, Inc. believes there is merit to the outlook. If the long-range forecast verifies, it would bring greater relief to drought and pasture conditions, as well as improve support for the planting and establishment of winter crops.