March was unusually warm and dry. April showers increased soil moisture levels and favored jointing crops. Shandong had wet weather in January, which provided beneficial moisture for dormant winter wheat. Precipitation in February and March was close to normal. April rainfall is very light, and soil moisture levels have declined.
More rain is needed for wheat, now at the jointing stage.
Precipitation in January and February was more than 3X normal in Henan. Warm and drier weather in March and April favored crop development. Soil moisture is still adequate, but the crop is now entering the heading stage and more rain will be needed this month. In 2000, wheat yields were reduced by drought. Anhui and Jiangsu provinces were unusually wet in January and February.