Subsoil moisture has been an issue for the last few years due to continuous drought from La Nina conditions in the Pacific Ocean, where sea-surface temperatures have been below normal.

Soils were incredibly dry going into the winter and widespread drought covered much of the country east of the Rockies before the active El Nino storm track brought much-needed precipitation over the winter. This spring, that active storm track continued. During the last week, we have seen real gains in the subsoil moisture.

Rain that came through this past weekend and early this week is helping. Amounts over one inch have been widespread through most of the Midwest. Parts of the West, Plains, and Southeast have seen similar amounts. Though some minor ponding and flooding have occurred, soils have been dry enough to soak in the moisture for the most part.

Read more about the evolving soil moisture conditions and forecast.