Early on in May, the weather looked like it was going to live up to expectations and bring plenty of moisture. However, the back half of the month reminded us that Mother Nature can do whatever she pleases, and it ended up being one of the driest Mays on record. Iowa State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan provided an update on the lack of precipitation with the latest U.S. Drought Monitor.
Glisan said a few stations reported that this May was actually the driest May on record, but, otherwise, it certainly could?ve been much worse.
With how dry it?s been, Glisan said to be on the lookout for any declarations of rapid onset drought.
Over the past couple of days, though, it seems like Mother Nature is trying to make it up to us with some heavy rainfall events.
We?ve been talking about a transition to El Nino for a while now, and plenty of producers are wondering when that will actually take place. If everything goes right, Glisan said we could shift to El Nino in the June/July timeframe.
June and July are pivotal months for our crops anyways, so Glisan said we?ll definitely appreciate that rain if it comes through.
Glisan added that he always appreciates reports from local farmers and stakeholders.
For more information, visit iowaagriculture.gov/climatology-bureau.
