By Andi Anderson
Michigan farmers navigated a period of active weather in late May and early June. A series of low-pressure systems brought frequent rain, particularly challenging for those working with heavier soils in northern regions.
Despite the rain, early June saw topsoil moisture levels ranging from slightly below normal in the south to above normal in northern and western areas.
Temperatures throughout May and into early June averaged warmer than usual. This accelerated crop growth and development, pushing phenological stages ahead of schedule. The warm weather and hot soil also aided rapid and consistent germination of recently planted annual crops.
As of early June, accumulated growing degree days since May 1st were significantly above normal, ranging from 50 GDD higher in the north to 100 GDD higher in the south compared to average.
Precipitation levels varied across the state in May. Some central and southern areas received less than 2 inches (falling short of normal), while parts of Upper Michigan saw over 4 inches (exceeding normal).
Looking ahead, forecasts suggest a return to a familiar pattern for the latter half of June, with cooler westerlies and warmer easterlies across North America. The Climate Prediction Center's outlook for June predicts near to above-normal temperatures and equal chances of below, near, or above-average precipitation.
This trend is expected to continue through the summer months, with forecasts calling for milder-than-normal temperatures and equal chances of drier or wetter conditions.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-oticki
Categories: Michigan, Crops, Weather