AgWeb published a story today on predictions that farmers in the northern part of the country may face delays in spring planting due to the winter conditions this year. The maps below show the 60 day departures from normal for temperature (left) and precipitation (right) from the High Plains Regional Climate Center. The combination of colder than normal temperatures and some recent dryness have contributed to the concerns. Forecasts for the nest three months show that colder than normal conditions are likely to continue through at least the next month, but no pattern in precipitation really stands out.