Across the Corn Belt, showers and a few thunderstorms are spreading across the upper Midwest.  Elsewhere, ongoing dry weather is reducing soil moisture availability for summer crops, including corn and soybeans.  Some of the driest conditions exist in parts of the western Corn Belt, which also continues to experience hotter-than-normal weather.  Friday’s high temperatures should exceed 95°F in much of Nebraska and South Dakota, as well as the western tier of Iowa.  In contrast, Friday’s Midwestern temperatures will remain below 80°F in most areas east of the Mississippi River.

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