U.S. Weather/Crop Progress
U.S. Drought Monitor Weather Forecast: During December 10-14, stormy weather should continue in the Northwest, bringing additional heavy precipitation to the climatologically-favored areas from the Cascades westward, as well as the Sierra Nevada. From the Washington Cascades westward, generally 2 to 5 inches of precipitation are anticipated while at least 4 inches are expected farther south into northern California. Coastal areas near the Oregon/California border should get 10 to 15 inches by mid-December. Farther east, a broad swath of moderate to heavy precipitation is forecast from the Great Lakes southwestward through much of the Mississippi Valley and eastern Texas. At least 1.5 inches are expected, with totals topping out near 5 inches in western Arkansas. Elsewhere, moderate precipitation is expected to the west and east of the wet swath in the central United States, specifically from the Plains to the Appalachians. Spotty areas in the central and northern Rockies and across Idaho can also expect moderate precipitation, with light amounts at best elsewhere.
The ensuing 5 days (December 15-19) bring enhanced chances for above normal precipitation to the Northwest and the northern half of the contiguous states from the Rockies to the Atlantic Ocean. Florida has increased odds for above normal precipitation as well. Odds tilting toward drier than normal conditions are limited to much of Texas and adjacent New Mexico.
Follow this link to view current U.S. and international weather patterns and the future outlook: Weather and Crop Bulletin.