Mid-late July may be wet for farms in the Eastern U.S.

by Jeff Ishee

Mount Sidney, VA - Based on the latest forecasts from the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, farms in the eastern United States may see above-average precipitation during the period of July 6 - 25.

Image credit - NWS Climate Prediction Center

The precipitation forecast for the period of July 6-12 shows almost all states east of the Mississippi River with "above average" precipitation.

Farmers in several eastern states were describing favorable crop conditions in late June.

Corn Crop Conditions as of June 23:

• Kentucky - 94% in fair to excellent condition

• Michigan - 91% fair to excellent condition

• North Carolina - 97% fair to excellent condition

• Pennsylvania 93% fair to excellent condition

• Tennessee - 89% fair to excellent condition

• Virginia - 98% fair to excellent condition

Image credit - NWS Climate Prediction Center

Farmers in Virginia appear to be especially pleased with field crops as we go into the month of July. During the final week of June in 2024, 88% of Virginia was in moderate drought, with 2% of the state in severe drought. As of the last week of June this year, no part of Virginia was experiencing drought conditions. According to the USDA NASS, soil moisture was described as "adequate" for three out of every four farms in Virginia.

Topsoil moisture as of June 22:

• Kentucky - 67% adequate and 27% surplus soil moisture

• Michigan - 74% adequate and 15% surplus

• North Carolina - 66% adequate and 28% surplus

• Pennsylvania - 70% adequate and 25% surplus

• Tennessee - 60% adequate and 37% surplus

• Virginia - 75% adequate and 12% surplus

The latter half of July is also apt to bring more than average precipitation to the region. Of all the states from New England to the Deep South, it appears Mississippi and Alabama may have the highest rainfall totals for July 12-25.