Update 05/13/16

In the previous post I did on April 29 (read it here), much of the plains had just experienced one of the wettest Aprils on record (some locations smashed the previous record).  I gave insight to what I was expecting deep into the summer months (June and July in particular) and wrapping up in August.  If you have not read that post, please do so.

I haven't posted since then because of an extremely busy schedule.  Has my thinking changed from the previous post?  No, at least there is nothing popping up that would change my mind at this point.

Since May 1, there has been quite a bit of rain, especially across the corn belt.  The areas that had record April rainfall in Kansas have been missing out (and thus drying out a bit).  But, that is about to change again...(click for a full scale graphic)

In the near-future, there was a big gyrating upper low across southeast Canada and the flow aloft is such that much below normal temperatures will invade much of the midwest and plains.  Freezing temperatures are expected across much of the northern plains and upper midwest.  I have no idea how the corn planting/emergence has progressed up there, but I guess there could be some issues.

Closer to the high plains, it looks like a "cold" and wet period (overall late in the weekend and into the middle part of next week).  I would bet that soil temperatures (at least the top four inches) will plummet at least 10 degrees next week (and 15-20 degrees in the top 2 inches).  We keep track at the NWS office in Dodge City, so I'll try and remember to post what happens in the next blog post.

Here is the potential for precipitation through the end of next week....


Also, if you haven't seen it...the latest drought monitor....



I hope to be able to update again later next week when I find a few minutes.