USDA's Joint Ag Weather Facility says on the Plains, a frost advisory is in effect this morning across parts of western and central Nebraska, where temperatures fell to near 32°F. "By May 6, one-quarter (25%) of Nebraska's winter wheat had headed," USDA adds. Cool, dry weather covers the remainder of the region, except for a return to warm conditions on Montana's High Plains, according to USDA.

In the West, chilly conditions linger across the southern Rockies. In contrast, warm, dry weather is promoting an acceleration of fieldwork and crop development in California and the Northwest.

In the Corn Belt, cool, dry weather prevails, except for a few rain showers in the Great Lakes region. Most fieldwork remains on hold in the wake of substantial rainfall, although recently planted corn and soybeans are benefiting from soil moisture improvements.

In the South, warm, humid weather prevails. Beneficial showers are falling across parts of central and southern Texas and the interior Southeast, but rain is still badly needed across the lower Southeast.

In its outlook, USDA says following a short break, heavy rain will return to parts of Texas on May 10-11, when totals could reach 2 to 4 inches. "During the weekend, heavy rain will spread eastward along the Gulf Coast," USDA adds. Farther east, USDA reports rain will end after mid-week in the Atlantic Coast states, except for some lingering showers across Florida and New England. "Elsewhere, mostly dry weather will prevail through week’s end, except for some rain and snow in the central and southern Rockies and a few showers across the nation’s northern tier," USDA explains. During the weekend, heat will build across the western U.S., it continues.

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