U.S. Weather/Crop Progress
U.S. Drought Monitor Weather Forecast: Over the next week, temperatures are expected to be below normal for most areas east of the Continental Divide. The greatest departures are projected to be over the upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions while temperatures are expected to stay above normal over the western United States. Models are in fairly strong agreement on a strong storm system developing over the Southwest and ejecting onto the Plains. This system does pull some Pacific moisture into it, bringing a good chance of precipitation over Arizona, New Mexico and the desert regions of southern California. As this system tracks to the east, much of the southern plains, lower Mississippi River valley and Mid-Atlantic are expecting to see precipitation of up to 1.5 inches.
The 10 day outlook continues to show that the western third of the United States has the highest probabilities of above-normal temperatures. After being above normal during the last few weeks, the eastern half of the country looks to get back into a more seasonal pattern, with the best chances of below-normal temperatures over New England. The drought in the West will not see much relief through the first week of February as the area remains likely to have below-normal precipitation. There are also above-normal chances of below-normal precipitation through much of the plains, Midwest, Gulf Coast and Ohio River valley, while portions of the central and northern Rocky Mountains and the southeast look to have the best chances of receiving above-normal precipitation. Follow this link to view current U.S. and international weather patterns and the future outlook: Weather and Crop Bulletin.