The latest Drought Monitor, released earlier this week, shows that there has been a significant expansion of moderate (D1) drought in most of the region this week, especially in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. This is due to the lack of rain last week and the warm temperatures. Since these conditions are likely to continue for most of the next week, we can expect to see some further expansion in next week’s map before wetter conditions return to the area. This is of concern to farmers who are getting ready for the coming growing season. Some corn farmers in southern parts of the region are already planting but have been hampered by dry soil conditions, and forage stands are also hurting from the lack of moisture. Puerto Rico also saw an expansion of moderate drought and abnormally dry (D0) conditions this week.
