Across the Corn Belt, spotty showers are overspreading the upper Midwest, accompanied by warmer weather. The remainder of the Corn Belt continues to experience cool, dry weather—favorable for corn and soybeans in areas where soil moisture is adequate. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 9% of the Midwest (but 45% of Iowa) was experiencing drought on August 18.
On the Plains, isolated showers are causing only minor fieldwork delays. On the northern High Plains, late-summer heat is promoting small grain maturation and harvesting.
