Snow cover heading into the later part of December was relatively low compared to historical averages. On to six inches blanketed most farm fields across the region, with heavier amounts across northern Minnesota, sections of North Dakota, and northern Wisconsin, where some locations are reporting 9 to 20 inches.
Topsoil moisture was depleted once fall harvest ended across the central and western corn belt. No major improvement is expected as we advance toward spring planting. The severity of drought conditions eases across the high plains, northern Minnesota, Wisconsin into the Great Lakes, and eastern corn belt. Long range prospects are favorable for this trend to continue into spring planting season.
The temperature trend as we usher in 2023 looks near normal to below average in most locations west of Wisconsin. Warmer than normal temperatures will likely grip much of the the eastern United States. Above average precipitation will likely impact the northwestern U.S. and New England, with seasonal snowfall across much of our region.
There is an exception to all of this - above average snowfall is a realistic possibility across North Dakota, norther Minnesota, and northern Wisconsin in this type of winter pattern. Incidentally, late January into early February is climatologically the coldest part of winter for our region.
On the International stage, it’s been cold across Europe, which has ushered winter crops into dormancy. The exception, Germany has been warm keeping winter grains and oilseeds vegetative in the Balkans. Rainfall has been heavier than normal in southern Europe easing the effects of long-term drought across Spain and Italy.
The Middle East is mostly dry along with the vast majority of African nations.
South Asia was hit by a major cyclone which generated widespread rain across India. East Asia remains cold and dry with torrential rain across Southeast Asia.
Australia has enjoyed favorable conditions for winter and summer crops, with beneficial rain moving across South America.
