Chilly, unsettled weather lingers across the eastern Corn Belt; fair, mild weather westward

Across the Corn Belt, unusually cool, windy conditions persist from the Mississippi Valley eastward.  In fact, Tuesday’s high temperatures in much of Michigan and Ohio will again remain below 50°F, accompanied by rain and snow showers.  Although national planting progress at the end of April—26% for corn and 19% for soybeans—remains at or ahead of schedule, activity has slowed in recent days, especially in the eastern Corn Belt.  Additionally, 5% or less of both corn and soybeans had been planted by April 30 in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas. 

On the Plains, chilly weather lingers across eastern portions of the region.  In fact, sub-freezing temperatures were noted again Tuesday morning in parts of Nebraska and much of the Dakotas.  In contrast, warmth has returned across the High Plains.  Dry weather throughout the region favors fieldwork, although high river levels, lowland flooding, and cool soils continue to limit planting in the eastern Dakotas and environs.  Despite last week’s rain on the central and southern Plains, U.S.

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