Weather Outlook Remains Unchanged

Temperatures will remain below normal for the remainder of March and likely into a good part of April. Precipitation will be near normal. Based on historic years like this winter, the last date of a freeze is usually 1-2 weeks later than normal. This would push back a typical last freeze from about April 20 to closer to May 1.  However, these freeze temperatures tend to be less at that point as typical hard freezes below 26-28 degrees end at about normal time.

The 4 inch soil temperature is also forecast to be a few weeks behind normal too due to the cold winter and early spring.  Winters similar to this year include the following: (1993/94), 1978/79 and 1962/63.  Based on those years in Ohio, corn yields average 7% above trend line, soybeans 3% above trend line and wheat near trend line. In summary, expect spring to be delayed a 1-3 weeks compared to normal through April.