DES MOINES, Iowa – A less-active storm track produced an unseasonably dry pattern across much of the Corn Belt to the Appalachians through the end of August, with cooler temperatures also forecast for much of the region through the first part of September, according to an agricultural meteorologist.

State Climatologist of Iowa Justin Glisan told Farm World, “Locations in the eastern Corn Belt are experiencing dry soil moisture profiles, and the potential for increased abnormal dryness and drought on the U.S. Drought Monitor. Growing conditions have been variable across the region, but the corn and soybean crop appears to be one of the largest we have seen.”

According to the USDA, as of Sept. 3, crop conditions for U.S. corn and soybeans saw a decline in early September. As of early September, 69 percent of the U.S. corn crop was rated in good to excellent condition, with concerns emerging over disease pressure and dry conditions, which may reduce yields.

The agency said U.S. soybean conditions declined more than expected in early September, with 65 percent of the crop rated good to excellent. The agency added that analysts are watching for potential yield reductions due to drier weather and disease. The USDA added harvest for spring wheat is 72 percent complete, ahead of the five-year average.

Moreover, a strong cold front brought significantly cooler temperatures and showers to the Midwest and Plains in the first week of September, and some areas in Minnesota and Wisconsin could see an early frost, the USDA said, with temperatures expected to moderate around the middle of the month before another cold front moves through around Sept. 15.

In addition, the Climate Prediction Center forecasts a lean toward below-normal precipitation in the mid-Mississippi Valley and High Plains for the month: “For maturing crops, any rain would be unfavorable, while late-planted crops could still benefit,” the USDA said.

In Illinois, as of Aug. 31, corn condition is 8 percent very poor to 43 percent good and 12 percent excellent, with 96 percent in the dough stage, 72 percent dented, and 15 percent matured, the USDA said. Soybeans were 53 percent in good condition, with 95 percent setting pods, and 16 percent dropping leaves.

In Indiana, corn condition is 3 percent very poor to 50 percent good and 11 percent excellent, with 90 percent of corn in the dough stage, 47 percent dented, and 5 percent matured. Soybeans were 51 percent in good condition, with 94 percent setting pods, and 12 percent dropping leaves.

In Kentucky, corn condition is 4 percent very poor to 44 percent good and 6 percent excellent, with 86 percent in the dough stage, 73 percent dented, and 41 percent matured. Soybean condition is 4 percent very poor to 30 percent good and 4 percent excellent, with 87 percent setting pods, and 15 percent dropping leaves.

In Michigan, corn condition is 2 percent very poor to 46 percent good and 10 percent excellent, with 86 percent in the dough stage, 42 percent dented, and 2 percent matured. Soybean condition is 1 percent very poor to 40 percent good and 12 percent excellent, with 97 percent setting pods, and 8 percent dropping leaves.

In Ohio, corn condition is 3 percent very poor to 46 percent good and 10 percent excellent, with 92 percent in the dough stage, 51 percent dented, and 7 percent matured. Soybean condition is 3 percent very poor to 45 percent good and 9 percent excellent, with 96 percent setting pods, and 11 percent dropping leaves.

In Iowa, corn condition is 1 percent very poor to 58 percent good and 26 percent excellent, with 92 percent in the dough stage, 63 percent dented, and 9 percent matured. Soybean condition is 1 percent very poor, to 58 percent good and 19 percent excellent, with 95 percent setting pods, and 3 percent dropping leaves.

In his three-week forecast, Glisan said, “Climatological outlooks through most of September show elevated chances of warmer temperatures across the western Corn Belt, with no clear signal from Iowa to the Appalachians. In terms of precipitation potential, the outlooks are also showing equal chances of above-, below-, and near-average rainfall.”