Triple-Digit Heat, Derechos Possible for U.S. Crops This Week

The last several weeks have been relatively calm across the U.S. Corn Belt, with milder temperatures and decent rainfall over the previous 30 days. However, this pattern will change significantly toward a period of hotter temperatures and less-frequent precipitation this week. The change could have significant impacts on corn and soybean production. A heat ridge in the South will spike temperatures, putting many areas into heat advisories. The ridge will spread west and north, bringing 100+ degree temperatures to the Northern Plains.

However, DTN Meteorologist Jon Baranick says the system could bring severe thunderstorm clusters though not too much precipitation. Baranick says there’s even potential for another derecho, as the June 29 derecho was formed from a similar heat ridge. As corn continues its pollination time and soybeans are between blooming to setting pods, moisture remains critical for the health of these crops.

Read more on weather forecasts for this week here.