2023 Drought Monitor Insights: A Mixed Bag Across the U.S.

This week’s U.S. Drought Monitor map offers a snapshot of the current drought conditions across the country, revealing a blend of improvements and degradations. While numerous areas in the West, Lower Midwest, Northeast, and the South have seen positive changes due to beneficial rainfall, some regions are still grappling with dry conditions.

Recent Weather Patterns

Since October 1, several locations in California, southern Nevada, and Arizona have recorded significant rainfall, leading to improvements in drought-related conditions. Specifically, Missouri and regions in Texas have benefitted from recent rainfall events, contributing to widespread improvements.

However, not all areas are faring well. Much of the Pacific Northwest continues to experience drier-than-normal conditions, with snowpack levels lagging behind seasonal averages. In the Upper Midwest, exceptional dryness over the past 60 days has raised concerns, while the Southeast is witnessing expanding drought conditions in the Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama, and southern Georgia.

Focus on the High Plains

In the High Plains region, drought conditions saw minor adjustments, particularly in eastern Kansas, Nebraska, and southwestern South Dakota. Precipitation levels across this area have been relatively light, confined mostly to the eastern and central parts of Kansas and South Dakota. Temperatures, however, have been notably higher than usual, with anomalies ranging from 5 to 15°F.

“Weather in Nebraska has been mild and dry for November,” noted Travis Gustafson, an agronomic service representative for Syngenta. He highlighted ongoing post-harvest field activities, including grid sampling and light tillage, which are expected to taper as Thanksgiving approaches.

Midwest Developments

The Midwest has experienced some improvements, particularly in southern Missouri after widespread rainfall. Minor enhancements were also reported in southern Illinois, central Indiana, and northwestern Michigan.

“Most of my area received between 0.2 to 0.4 inches of rain,” commented Ryan Gentle, a Wyffels agronomy manager in Illinois. While temperatures remain mild, the region is preparing for winter with notable dryness persisting.

Average temperatures across the western and southern areas were above normal, with anomalies between 5 to 15°F. These higher temps were most pronounced in western Minnesota and southern Missouri. Meanwhile, cold weather is settling in for the eastern half of the area.

“The past week brought a mix of rain and fog followed by warmer conditions,” said Logan Dinkla, a Syngenta agronomic service representative in Iowa. The Southeast Regional Climate Center reported significant dryness in this region over the past two months, with record low rainfall observed in several locations including Duluth, Madison, and Green Bay.

“Conditions in Wisconsin have remained dry, with temperatures now reflecting seasonal norms,” added Nick Groth, a Syngenta agronomic service representative in the state.

Conclusion

The 2023 drought landscape presents a complex picture, with some areas benefiting from recent rains while others continue to struggle with dry spells. As we approach the winter months, continued monitoring and adaptive management strategies will be crucial for farmers and agricultural professionals across the United States.