Spring frost risks have pushed back preferred planting start dates across most of the U.S. Corn Belt. A DTN April temperatures forecast says there could be an increased risk of late frost this year. The first two weeks of April are expected to produce normal to slightly below normal temperatures throughout most of the Midwest and down to the Southeast. Storm systems moving through could bring colder weather at times.

A shot of cold air moving into the West and Canadian Prairies around the week of April 15 could produce frosts and cold damaging to vulnerable plants in the Northern Plains. This cold shot will likely be brief, as warm air improves temperatures to slightly above normal the final week of the month. While many farmers began planting early April in 2021, the opportunity will not provide for the same in 2022.

Read more on spring weather conditions here.