Eastern Cornbelt:
Illinois residents were bracing for another weekend of potentially stormy weather, just days after six tornadoes touched down in the southern half of the state over the Memorial Day weekend.
Thunderstorms and rain were in Indiana’s forecast late in the week as well after high heat and humidity blanketed the state. Showers and thunderstorms were also reported across Ohio during the week, limiting fieldwork in some areas.
Despite the weather delays, planting continued to track ahead of the five-year average in the region. Corn planting as of May 26 was 80% complete in Illinois, 79% in Ohio, and 73% in Indiana, while soybean planting by that date had progressed to 72% complete in Illinois, 69% in Indiana, and 67% in Ohio.
Western Cornbelt:
Strong storms surged through the Western Cornbelt over the Memorial Day weekend, spawning at least 18 tornadoes in Iowa and 16 in Nebraska on May 24. Most of the twisters were rated as EF-O and EF-1 in intensity, with an estimated peak wind speed of 110 mph recorded near Howells, Neb.
Parts of Missouri were hit with severe weather on May 26, causing widespread power outages as high winds, hail, and possible tornadoes moved through the Ozarks. Iowa was expecting rain late in the week, with up to an inch of precipitation possible in western areas of the state on May 31.
Corn planting as of May 26 had progressed to 91% complete in Nebraska, 88% in Iowa, and 87% in Missouri, with soybean planting estimated at 80% in Nebraska, 73% in Iowa, and 55% in Missouri. Missouri growers also had 92-96% of the cotton and rice planted by May 26, with sorghum planting estimated at 31% complete in Nebraska.
Northern Plains:
Scattered showers and cool temperatures were reported over much of the Northern Plains over the Memorial Day weekend, but weather conditions warmed as the week progressed, sparking a flurry of spring planting in late May.
Planting progress was tracking ahead of the average pace for nearly all crops in the region. Corn planting as of May 26 was 89% complete in Minnesota, 84% in South Dakota, and 75% in North Dakota, while soybean planting had progressed to 72% complete in Minnesota, 58% in South Dakota, and 52% in North Dakota.
South Dakota growers had 43% of the sorghum seeded by May 26, while the planting of oats, spring wheat, and barley was reported at 98% complete in South Dakota, 90-96% complete in Minnesota, and 75-84% in North Dakota. Sunflower planting was the only crop lagging at 28% complete in North Dakota and just 7% in South Dakota.
Great Lakes:
Strong storms on May 26-27 left thousands without power across southern Wisconsin, while heavy rain was reported in northern areas of the state early in the week. After a wet Memorial Day, weather conditions improved across Michigan, allowing planting to resume under mostly dry conditions and steadily clearing skies as the week progressed.
Corn planting as of May 26 was 75-78% complete in Michigan and Wisconsin, with soybean planting estimated at 66% complete in Michigan and 74% in Wisconsin. Both crops were tracking ahead of the five-year planting averages in the region, with the Wisconsin oat crop also ahead of average at 89% planted by May 26.
Northeast:
Overcast skies and spotty showers were reported over much of New England during the week, with strong storms tracking through parts of the region over the Memorial Day weekend. An EF-1 tornado touched down on Memorial Day in Pennsylvania’s Schuylkill County, with a tornado watch also in effect on that date for parts of Maryland.
The wet conditions have slowed planting in the Northeast. Pennsylvania’s corn crop was just 53% seeded by May 26, trailing the 66% five-year average. Sources in the state said the barley crop should be coming off in 7-10 days, with the planting of double-crop beans slated to follow.
Eastern Canada:
Central and southern Ontario, along with parts of Quebec, were hit with strong thunderstorms at midweek, fueled by unseasonably warm temperatures and high humidity. Forecasts warned of large hail, heavy rain, and gusty winds as the system moved through the region, with much cooler weather reported for the balance of the week.
“We are nearly wrapping up the planting season,” commented one regional source during the week. “All things go in between rains. Some areas are still struggling, but the majority of the crop is in the ground and we are moving to the next stage.”