the overall drying and warming trend continued recently, according to the most recent US Drought Monitor.Despite plentiful spring rains, drier weather over much of Texas during the summer resulted in rapidly deteriorating conditions. Showers and thunderstorms have continued to spread through northern Texas and western Oklahoma, areas mostly devoid of drought at this time. On the Plains, many farmers are awaiting more rain before planting winter wheat. Above-normal temperatures dominated the Plains and upper Midwest, favoring fieldwork and helping to push summer crops toward maturity.
Large sections of the US have experienced dry weather over recent months, reducing topsoil moisture. However, the dryness promoted summer crop maturation and harvesting. Elsewhere, the late-season warmth also extended across the Great Lakes region and into the Northeast. But heavy showers dotted the West, causing cooler-than-normal temperatures.
