Warm; spotty to scattered rains continue to favor the Plains, western Corn Belt

Across the Corn Belt, scattered showers are confined to the upper Midwest.  Elsewhere, sudden warmth and ongoing dry conditions are reducing topsoil moisture for corn and soybean emergence and development.  Wednesday’s high temperatures will reach 85°F or higher throughout the Corn Belt, with a few locations attaining 90°F. 

On the Plains, warmth—with Wednesday’s high temperatures generally ranging from 80 to 90°F—is promoting a rapid pace of crop development.  Meanwhile, showers continue to gradually reduce drought coverage and intensity. 

…