NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center issued their latest seasonal climate outlook today for October through December 2022. The maps show that they expect October to be warmer and drier than normal across most of the country. There is less certainty in the Southeast because we are still in the Atlantic tropical season and if we get some storms in our area, we could see more rain.

The October through December period also shows warmer and drier than normal conditions for some parts of the Southeast, although less pronounced because it covers a longer time period. It looks a lot like a La Nina pattern, not surprising because a La Nina has been present in the Eastern Pacific Ocean for most of the last couple of years.

Most farmers will be glad to see more dry conditions and more sunshine to help them with their harvests, especially of cotton and peanuts. It could mean some trouble for the establishment of small grains and forage, especially if it lasts for most of the fall.

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