Warm, moist air is forecast to bring volitile weather to the area during planting season. The forces that bring warm, moist air from the Gulf might continue to force more of the Gulf air into Iowa this spring, resulting in above-normal precipitation, he explains. January was the only month that was a little warmer than normal.
West Central is still dry.
Normal subsoil moisture is 9 to 10 inches in the top 5 feet of soil. West Central may have only 4 inches in the top 5 feet. Given current conditions, farmers in Southwest and West Central Iowa should be in the best shape to get into the field on time, Hillaker predicts. The biggest factor is still having snow on the ground. It's moisture-laden snow that's been there all winter long, just accumulating.