Today, we are talking about Winter Weather Advisories in parts of the state. A few days ago, we were in the 60s and even higher. A few weeks ago, we knew what a frozen pizza felt like. The weather has been fluctuating like crazy. Some people are using these trends to advance the talk on climate change. However, one meteorologist advises us to take a breath and look at what month is showing on the calendar.
So, what does that mean for the farmers in Iowa and around the country?
Ryan Martin is an Ag meteorologist out of Lafayette, Indiana. He has been looking at what Mother Nature seems to have in store for planting in the Cornbelt, and in the rest of the United States. He talks about the recent fluctuations that we have been seeing in weather patterns in the Midwest. He reminds us that it is March after all, and there would have to be some more significant changes before he would start to worry.
With the cool down he is predicting; how cold will it get in Iowa and around the Cornbelt?
The bigger concern is the drought patterns across much of the Midwest. Martin says even though things are dry right now, his weather models are showing that relief may be on the way.
Of course, fluctuations in temps across the country have had an adverse effect where some planting has already occurred; in the Southern U.S. Martin also sees some fieldwork being undertaken in the Cornbelt, but says we are little ways removed from putting in seeds.
It is alright to be getting ready and getting excited. Just don?t jump the gun in your excitement to get the 2021 growing season underway.
