Shower clusters on the Plains; fair, dry cool weather covers the eastern Corn Belt

Across the Corn Belt, scattered frost was noted Friday morning in the upper Great Lakes region and parts of Michigan.  Throughout the region, cool, dry weather favors planting of any remaining corn and soybean acreage.  However, topsoil moisture shortages are becoming more apparent.  According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, the portion of the nine-state Midwestern region experiencing abnormal dryness or drought increased from 22 to 27% between May 16 and 23. 

On the Plains, warm, dry weather in the Dakotas favors the emergence and growth of late-planted summer crops. 

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