The weather for the first part of the year has been mild to say the least with average temperatures running well above normal. The very mild February continued into March and similar trends are expected for the next several months when addressing temperatures. While most enjoy the warmer than normal temperatures for the winter and spring, if the trend continues into the summer months as the models are leaning we may change our opinion. Precipitation, mainly in the form of rain, was above normal for the past month and this trend is also expected to continue into April, or at least for the next couple of weeks. Looking at these conditions in relation to the Ag Industry, the temperatures to this point for spring will aid in raising the soil temperatures for planting, but the moisture could lead to delays in getting early seed in the ground.
Examining the monthly outlook guidance, a drying trend is noted as we move into May along with temperatures at or above normal. Last freeze dates appear to be following normal trends for the region. May looks to be more favorable with normal or slightly below normal rainfall expected with continued near or above normal temperatures. Moving into the summer months the climate models are hinting at temperatures that remain above normal with precipitation regimes leaning towards normal or slightly below normal conditions. So overall the temperatures are expected to be supportive, but rainfall will be the factor to watch moving forward.