Across the Corn Belt, robust shower and thunderstorm activity stretches from Nebraska to Ohio.  The rain is greatly benefiting corn and soybeans, especially in drier areas of the Midwest.  On July 3, prior to the rain’s arrival, topsoil moisture was rated more than one-half very short in five Midwestern States: Indiana (72%), Ohio (66%), Michigan (64%), Nebraska (60%), and Missouri (51%).  Lingering extreme heat and oppressive humidity levels are confined to the southern tier of the Corn Belt, where Wednesday’s high temperatures will approach 100°F.

…