Weather - General
Growing up in New Mexico, around a family of farmers and ranchers, rain was the currency of hope. I spent every season waiting on rain. Anything over a 10% chance was a “good chance” for moisture.
Intentional or not, humans have helped shape today’s weather patterns. Now they’re looking at technology to protect their future.
Dutch researchers think it’s possible to modify the weather in one of the driest regions in the world, the Sinai Peninsula, and restore a green, fertile plain by restarting the area’s water cycle.
USDA scientists are testing new cloud seeding technology to help fight drought by unlocking more rain from clouds. The key ingredients are tap water and a small electrical charge.
Triple digit heat blankets the Southwest this week, and forecasters expect the ridge of high pressure to park over the western Corn Belt next week. AccuWeather projects U.S. corn production could be severely impacted.
Unfortunately, the heat, humidity and dry conditions of early summer look to extend into the next few months.
The core of the Corn Belt is forecast to see above normal temperatures and below normal rain next week, and it could hit as the crop is in prime pollination with 50% of U.S. corn planted in a two-week period in May.
The combination of high temperatures and low precipitation is expanding the drought footprint across the country.
The heart of the U.S. will be the bullseye for heat and dryness, which could create a flash drought.
Drought on the mind again this summer? Many ag experts say it should be now, and next year.