Eastern Cornbelt:
After some spotty showers earlier in the week, temperatures warmed considerably in the Eastern Cornbelt, with highs climbing to well above average across central Illinois. Midweek temperatures in the mid- to upper-50s were reported in northern Indiana and northern Ohio.
By the weekend, however, highs were expected to top out in the 40s across much of the Eastern Cornbelt, with an increased chance of rain and snow showers. More winter weather was on tap for following week.
Western Cornbelt:
Unseasonably warm temperatures blanketed the Western Cornbelt during the first days of December, with highs reaching well into the 60s and even low-70s on Dec. 2 in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas, some 25-30 degrees warmer than average in several locations.
Highs in the mid- to upper-60s were reported in Des Moines, Iowa, at midweek, while Sioux City, Iowa, hit a record 70 degrees on Nov. 29. In Nebraska, temperatures in Lincoln climbed to a record 71 degrees on Dec. 2, with highs expected to reach 72 degrees in Kansas City, Mo., on that date.
The warm temperatures were expected to end by the weekend, however, with highs in Iowa falling into the 40s and low-50s.
Northern Plains:
Unseasonably mild temperatures were reported across the Dakotas during the first days of December, with highs climbing to the mid-40s in North Dakota and the mid-50s in South Dakota. Some daily records were expected in both states on Dec. 2 before cooler weekend weather moves in.
A wintry mix of rain, snow, and freezing rain was reported in eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin earlier in the week, but midweek highs in the Twin Cities area climbed to the mid-50s. Slightly cooler weather was once again on tap for the weekend.
Many retailers were in Fargo, N.D., during the week for the North Dakota Agricultural Association’s (NDAA) Northern Ag Expo. The Minnesota Crop Production Retailers (MCPR) trade show is scheduled for Dec. 7-9 in Minneapolis, while the South Dakota Agri-Business Association (SDABA) 2021 Agronomy Conference will take place on Dec. 15-16 in Sioux Falls.
Northeast:
After a brief warm-up at midweek, much cooler weather was reported in New England in early December, with highs dipping into the 30s by the weekend. The cold air was accompanied by rain in southern New England and snow showers in western and northern areas of the region.
Rainfall was also reported across central and southern Pennsylvania at midweek, with highs reaching the mid- to upper-40s in southern areas of the state and high-30s in northern locations. The mildest weather conditions were reported in Maryland, where highs touched the upper-50s and low-60s on Dec. 2.
Eastern Canada:
Light rain and mild temperatures were reported across southern Ontario as the week progressed, along with strong winds that prompted a warning from Environment Canada about possible power outages. The system was expected to produce lake-effect snow squalls in northwestern Ontario and northern Quebec, with accumulation ranging from 5-15 cm.
Atlantic Canada was also bracing for potentially heavy rain and unsettled weather conditions late in the week, with up to 10-20 cm expected, and heavier amounts in parts of Newfoundland. Much colder and blustery weather was on tap for the weekend, with forecasts warning of snow and localized flooding in low-lying areas.
Sources said fall application was pretty much over in the region by early December, aside from some spotty activity in certain areas. “Snow this week has stopped all application,” said one contact. “With the return of warmer weather, there will be limited application for some where the land can support equipment.
Overall application volumes in the region so far this fall were described as “okay,” but down from expectations due to reduced winter wheat planting because of wet conditions.