DES MOINES —
Weather gave last week's harvesting a boost, but didn't do anything to replenish moisture in the bone-dry soil.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says more than 80 percent of Iowa topsoil is short of moisture. The levels in the subsoil are worse, with 93 percent rated short of moisture.
The Iowa corn harvest is way ahead of schedule. According to the USDA, 22 percent of the crop has been harvested, the earliest it has ever hit that level since the National Agricultural Statistical Service began keeping records. The dry weather accelerated this year's crop and the harvest is a full three weeks ahead of the average.
Soybeans have fared better than corn this year. Most fields are dropping leaves, which is ahead of the average, but well over 50 percent of the crop rates as fair or better. Only 6 percent of the crop has been harvested so far.
State Climatologist Harry Hillaker said last week split the state. Northwestern Iowa saw above normal temperatures, while southeast Iowa saw below normal highs. The result was only a 0.2 degree variation from the statewide average.
Rain continued to avoid Iowa, Hillaker wrote:
"The statewide average precipitation was 0.58 inches while normal for the week is 0.80 inches. This was the 17th week of the past 19 to bring less than normal precipitation to the state."
CNHI/SE Iowa
Corn harvest surges ahead of schedule
- CNHI/SE Iowa
-
-
LIVE BLOG: Massive tornado hits south of OKC
A massive tornado touched down Monday afternoon in Moore, Okla., just south of Oklahoma City. Follow live coverage of the aftermath of the storm.
-
VIDEO: Tumblr sold to Yahoo! for $1.1 billion
Yahoo! has purchased Tumblr for $1.1 billion, hoping to compete more effectively with sites like Google and Facebook.
-
What you need to know about preparing for tornadoes
Tornado survivors and seasoned observers suggest people do two simple things to prepare for tornadoes: Know where to take shelter, and move quickly when the time comes.
-
VIDEO: How technology helps predict tornadoes
At the National Storm Prediction Center in Oklahoma, the team charged with predicting tornadoes relies on ever-changing technology to determine when and where storms may strike.
-
SLIDESHOW: Tornado passes through Oklahoma
A fast-moving storm brought rain, hail and tornadoes to Oklahoma late Sunday afternoon and evening.
-
Reviving downtown's upper stories
Building by building, the upper stories of downtown Ottumwa are coming back to life after some have sat empty for half a century.
-
Officer treated and released after injuries from Oklahoma windstorm
Enid, Okla. police officer Lee Friesendahl was treated and released at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center Saturday night after his patrol car was struck by a strong windstorm triggered by a heat burst.
-
'Kindness begets kindness' at Oskaloosa Middle School
Focus on kindness is an attempt to improve school atmosphere and proactively address bullying.
-
Storms forecast to return later Monday
OTTUMWA -- The first severe weather outbreak of the year didn't do as much damage to southeast Iowa as in other areas, but it's likely on to round two today.
-
Kia Optima is a hit with the buying public
When it comes to midsized family sedans, the Kia Optima ranks high on my list for its good looks, economy and value.
- More CNHI/SE Iowa Headlines
-
Huge Tornado Kills Dozens Near Oklahoma City
Raw: Rescuers Pull Tornado Survivors to Safety
Oklahoma Gov: 'Hearts Are Broken' After Tornado
Raw: Walking in a Flattened Okla. Neighborhood
Raw: Rescue Workers Search Oklahoma School
Raw: Witness Describes Scene After Okla. Tornado
Raw: Aftermath of Massive Tornado in Oklahoma
Raw: House Burns After Massive Oklahoma Tornado
Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma
Split-second Choice Ended With NY Student Dead
White House Backs 'Shield Law' for Media
Wave of Attacks Kills Scores in Iraq
Pug Life on Display at Wisconsin Festival
Company Promises to Make All Snail Mail Digital
Analyst: Tumblr Fills Void in Yahoo's Offerings
Commuters Face Delays After Conn. Train Accident
Raw: Swarm of Tornadoes Slams Plains
Raw: Fierce Bombing in Qusair, Syria
RAW: TV Staff Take Cover From Tornado
Raw: Accused US Spy Reportedly Leaves Russia
