Latest News From Weather - General

With another round of frigid temperatures blanketing the U.S. again, what's behind the cold? Here's a hint: it's not El Niño.

From 40 degrees above zero earlier this week in parts of the Great Plains to now forecasts for temps to fall 40 degrees below zero, ag meteorologist Drew Lerner says the frigid conditions will be dangerous for livestock.

Not all buildings are built the same. Therefore, it’s important to know just how much snow your roof can handle.

To create a safe and comfortable work environment for your farm employees, it’s important to address the specific challenges posed by cold weather on the farm.

From the intense heat in the South to drought blanketing much of the U.S., weather stole headlines again in 2023. What caused such extreme conditions? One meteorologist explains the culprits of the heat and drought.

El Niño could have profound impacts on agricultural production, including dairy output, across the globe in the coming months. This comes at the same time when food insecurity is increasing.

Dairy farmers have more time to apply for the Milk Loss Program, an assistance program designed for operations who had to dump or remove milk due to qualifying weather events.

From the Mississippi River to the Panama Canal, this year’s drought has resulted in low water levels that are likely to disrupt agricultural production and trade through at least the end of the year.

Assistance will be available to dairy operations that had to dump or remove milk without compensation from the commercial milk market due to qualifying weather events during the years 2020, 2021 and 2022.

For those whose livelihood depends upon working outdoors or in less than favorable conditions, this week looks to be quite difficult with higher-than-normal temperatures and humidity predicted.

Bret Walts of BAM Weather predicts the transition to a colder pattern will be later in September and into October.

Farmers across the Texas High Plains received a deluge of rainfall right at planting, and while the moisture was needed, the sudden switch prevented some farmers from planting their intended cotton acres this year.

Hurricane-force winds swept from northern Missouri and Iowa all the way east to Illinois and Indiana. The derecho brought wind gusts up to 100 mph, flattening cornfields, but it also drenched soils with crucial rains.

Even with rains sweeping the Northern Corn Belt last weekend, the latest drought monitor shows drought continues to spread across Illinois with D2 (Severe Drought) taking a 28-point jump in a week.

Drought is deepening across the Midwest with 64% of the corn crop and 57% of the soybean crop across the U.S. now covered in drought, a sizable jump in just a week after NASS showed a historic drop in condition ratings.

“We have a pretty deep trough of low-pressure that's kind of parked over the Midwest, which is leading to below-normal temperatures,” says Brad Rippey, USDA meteorologist. Here's a look at the 30-day forecast.

The Southern Hemisphere will bear the brunt of this year’s El Niño

USDA's weekly Crop Progress Report shows 14% of the nation's corn crop and 9% of the soybean crop is planted. Farmers in Missouri and Tennessee are planting at a rapid pace, but the upper Midwest is already behind.

Dry conditions spurred by La Nina weighed on areas of the Corn Belt in 2022. As La Nina fades, and El Nino starts to make a return, meteorologists say the weather shift could also signal better crop production in 2023.

A regular on The Weather Channel, dairy farmer, Tara Vander Dussen joined live from her eastern New Mexico dairy to talk about the dairy industry’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. 

As La-Niña ends, meteorologists say the next two months could determine whether we see a drought like 2012 or a return of regular rains across the lower 48.

It doesn’t matter if it’s spring, summer, winter or fall, weather is always on producers’ minds. While slower seasons can offer relief, winter can drain emotional batteries. Here are two steps to help find relief.

Be ready for a colder and snowier winter versus recent years.

John Phipps says Thanksgiving shouldn’t be a weather-dependent celebration. Gratitude doesn’t watch the 6-10 day forecast. John's annual Harvest of Thanks message is a good reminder for your heart and mind.

As of Oct. 25, nearly 63% of the U.S. is experiencing drought conditions. That’s more than a 3% increase from just last week and the highest it's been since 2012.

Triple digit heat blankets the Southwest this week, and forecasters expect the ridge of high pressure to park over the western Corn Belt next week. AccuWeather projects U.S. corn production could be severely impacted.

Unfortunately, the heat, humidity and dry conditions of early summer look to extend into the next few months. 

Science suggests "Tornado Alley" may be expanding

Three big weather players may impact the 2022 crop season, according to Eric Snodgrass, principal atmospheric scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions.

From droughts to hurricanes to wildfires, this year has offered a little of everything when it comes to weather.

July proved to be a scorcher in the West, but the weather story flipped to start August, with much of the eastern half of the country enjoying cooler and dryer air during the first few days of the month.

As rains drop needed moisture for areas of the country dealing with drought and in need of relief, the situation is growing more dire in the West.

As the winter thaw nears and spring planting is on the horizon, how is the weather outlook shaping up?

2021 is off to a dry start and one meteorologist sees dry conditions expanding in the West over the next few months. So, could 2021 be a repeat of 2012? USDA meteorologist weighs in.

This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting warmer and dryer weather in the South and cooler and wetter conditions in the North.

The country’s mid-section is experiencing nice, warm temperatures for fall. It may not last for long.

The outlook continues to be for hot and dry conditions.

According to the National Weather Service, farmers in the Midwest and eastern U.S. can expect above-normal precipitation in March, April and May. The Southwest and West are expected to see below-normal precipitation.

Watch to see how these weather factors unfold in early 2020.

Ed Vallee of Empire Weather says the atmosphere is indicating the first frost will most likely be normal for the Corn Belt. 

Representatives Dusty Johnson (D-SD) and Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) introduced H.R.3183 - Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act (FEEDD Act). 

As Mother Nature continues to pound America’s heartland with historic rainfall and below average temperatures, forecasts show she may bear down on the Midwest this summer as well.

Tool will monitor potential for heat and cold stress across the state.

Data from Farm Journal and the United States Geological Service show the scope of farmers affected by flooding.

April showers bring May flowers, but it can also bring mastitis and a sudden increase in somatic cell count levels.

A list of resources for farmers and ranchers impacted by flooding.

Many people in different locations are expected to see rain or snow as another working week wraps up around the country. AgDay Meteorologist Mike Hoffman has your latest forecast here.

As winter rolls on, several places in the country are on pace to break some records for snow. Many other areas in the Midwest are feeling brutally cold conditions. AgDay Meteorologist Mike Hoffman has an update.

Various areas of the U.S. have been dealing with adverse winter weather during the past week, but it hasn’t stopped farmers and ranchers from working.

Two dairy farmers experiencing some of the coldest temperatures in history offered these tips to fight frostbite.