Eastern Farmers may see persistent spring drought through the end of June

MARCH 21 - After suffering through two consecutive years of drought conditions, farmers in some parts of the Eastern United States had hoped this spring may be different.

The latest forecast from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, however, indicates several areas of concern. Most of Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey, as well as parts of eastern Pennsylvania, are expected to see drought conditions persist at least through the end of June. Portions of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia may also be affected.

The harvest of 2024 was described as "poor" by many corn growers in Virginia. The average statewide yield for corn for grain in Virginia came in at 114 bushels per acre in 2024, down 43 bushels from the 2023 level. Corn yields were also significantly lower in North Carolina, Alabama, and South Carolina in 2024.

Soil moisture was described as "mostly adequate" in most of the Mid-Atlantic region in mid-March. Farm ponds, however, are trending lower. Numerous streams and rivers in Maryland, West Virginia, and western North Carolina are running at lower levels than usual for this time of year.

The NWS Climate Prediction Center is calling for temperatures to trend "above average" in April for the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. This concerns farmers who will be planting corn in April. Soil moisture is critical for the germination of corn and other crops. One thing many farmers fear most is dry fields in April and May.

Data can be accessed here>> https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt