USDA Drought Monitor (2/16): Upper Midwest Sees Dry Weather, Above Average Temperatures

According to today's Drought Monitor report of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in the Midwest, an active storm pattern through Missouri and into Illinois and Michigan was the focus of the widespread precipitation through this portion of the region.

Areas of the upper Midwest as well as the eastern extent of the region were quite dry for the week. In the storm track, most areas were well above normal for weekly precipitation and some recorded over 400% of normal for the week.

Temperatures for the week were well above normal for the entire region with areas of the upper Midwest 12-16 degrees above normal. The active weather over some of the drought areas allowed for improvements this week.

Most of Missouri had a full category improvement with just some lingering moderate drought in the southwest and in the far northwest corner of the state.

Abnormally dry conditions were removed from southern Illinois and improvements were made in western and northern portions of the state. Southern portions of Iowa also saw enough improvement in the indicators to show improved conditions.

The region was also being impacted by widespread precipitation after the data cutoff for this week, and this new information will be analyzed in the next map.

For the full USDA report for Feb. 16, click here.