From the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“Strong storms swept through parts of northern Iowa last week, bringing hail that damaged some corn and soybean fields. Despite that unwelcomed severe weather, most of the state experienced a good mix of rain and seasonal temperatures that helped the crops progress,” Secretary Naig said. “As summer officially arrives this week, forecasts are showing warmer-than-normal temperatures and continued chances of storms and widespread showers.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop report

Farmers had 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 15, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Damaging hail and wind was reported in parts of northern Iowa, which also received the most significant rainfall during the week. Field activities included cutting hay, side dressing and spraying crops.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 22 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 7 percent very short, 29 percent short, 60 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus.

At 97 percent, nearly all of Iowa’s corn crop has emerged, ahead of last year’s pace but matching the 5-year average. Corn condition rated 0 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 63 percent good and 21 percent excellent. Ninety-three percent of soybeans have emerged, 1 week ahead of last year and 2 days ahead of normal. Soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 62 percent good and 18 percent excellent. Iowa’s oat crop reached 69 percent headed and 19 percent turning color. Oat condition rated 0 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 65 percent good and 19 percent excellent.

Eighty-eight percent of the State’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed. The second cutting reached 16 percent complete. Hay condition rated 82 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 69 to percent good to excellent. No major livestock concerns were reported.

Weather summary

Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

An unsettled weather pattern persisted across Iowa over the reporting period with multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms. Even though rainfall was widespread, weekly totals were still below normal for much of Iowa. Temperatures were generally near-normal to a degree above normal for most of Iowa with a statewide average temperature of 70.2 degrees, 0.4 degree above normal.

Showers pushed across southern Iowa on Sunday (8th) afternoon as a cold front dropped through the state. Clear skies over northern Iowa helped push temperatures into the mid 70s. Rainfall totals were generally under 0.20 inch with most stations reporting less than 0.10 inch; a 0.21-inch-total was found in Murray (Clarke County). Winds shifted to the northwest on Monday (9th) morning with partly cloudy conditions developing through the daytime hours and highs in the 60s. Tuesday (10th) dawned with clear skies and patchy fog over portions of Iowa where winds were light; morning lows held in the 50s for most Iowa stations. Westerly winds persisted as highs warmed into the upper 80s and low 90s in northwestern Iowa with upper 70s southeast under sunny skies. A southerly shifting wind and temperatures in the 60s greeted Iowans on Wednesday (11th) morning with conditions quickly warming into the 80s by noon. A stationary front draped over northern Iowa was a forcing mechanism for strong to severe thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening hours. Several storms produced large hail and severe straight-line winds along a line from Rock Rapids (Lyon County) to Urbana (Benton County). There were numerous reports of crop and tree damage from larger hail and wind-driven hail. Moderate to heavy rain and training thunderstorms also brought significant totals to north-central Iowa; Nashua (Floyd County) observed 2.10 inches while Mason City (Cerro Gordo County) collected 3.22 inches. Many stations along the eastern and western periphery reported amounts in the 0.50 to 1.00-inch with lesser totals farther south.

Winds turned easterly into Thursday (12th) with some lingering showers in northern Iowa with otherwise clear conditions and temperatures in the 60s. Scattered thundershowers popped up from south-central to northeastern Iowa during the late afternoon into the nighttime hours. Several stations reported heavier amounts, varying from 1.02 inches in Davis City (Decatur County) to 2.20 inches in Osage (Mitchell County). Conditions stabilized on Friday (13th) with southeasterly winds and unseasonably warm temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s. Cloud cover increased into the afternoon with daytime highs in the 80s statewide. A few isolated thunderstorms developed in north-central Iowa around sunset with showers moving over extreme southeastern Iowa; rain totals were under a few tenths of an inch. Overnight lows on Saturday (14th) were up to 10 degrees above normal, in the upper 60s and low 70s for several locations. With higher dewpoints and light winds, dense fog formed over much of the state through early morning. As temperatures warmed, showers and thunderstorms developed along a surface boundary from central to northwestern Iowa, where some cells became severe warned. The complex expanded over most of northern Iowa with the highest amounts in Hamilton County where two Webster City gauges collected 2.61 and 2.84 inches. Twenty-five stations reported at least an inch with widespread 0.25- to 0.50-inch totals reported at 7:00 am on Sunday (15th); the statewide average was 0.38 inch.

Weekly rainfall ranged from no accumulation in eastern and western Iowa to 3.83 inches in Mason City. The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.68 inch; the normal is 1.19 inches. Manchester (Delaware County) reported the week’s high temperature of 97 degrees on the 11th, 18 degrees above normal. Mount Ayr (Ringgold County) and Stanley (Buchanan County) reported the week’s low temperature of 43 degrees on the 10th, on average 15 degrees below normal.

From the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“While the highest rainfall totals were concentrated in western Iowa over the past week, much of the state received some rain and cooler temperatures,” Secretary Naig said. “The crops could use some heat, and it looks like it’s on the way. The warmer weather and possible showers in the forecast this week should give the corn and soybeans a lift.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop report

Iowa farmers had 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 8, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included cutting hay and spraying crops.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 4 percent very short, 21 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 28 percent short, 64 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus.

Corn emerged reached 92 percent, 4 days ahead of last year’s pace but 2 days behind normal. Corn condition rated 85 percent good to excellent, up 1 percentage point from last week.  Ninety-seven percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted with 88 percent emerged. Soybean emergence was 10 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of normal. Soybean condition rated 80 percent good to excellent, down 1 percentage point from last week. Emergence of the oat crop is nearly complete, with 53 percent headed and 10 percent turning color. Oat condition rated 84 percent good to excellent.

Seventy-seven percent of the State’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed and there were scattered reports of farmers starting the second cutting.  Hay condition rated 82 percent good to excellent.  Pasture condition decreased slightly to 70 percent good to excellent.

Weather summary

Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms brought widespread rainfall over the state with above-average amounts in western Iowa; east-central Iowa reported 0.50-1.00 inch deficits. Temperatures were near-normal to slightly cooler for much of Iowa through June’s first week with a statewide average temperature of 66.3 degrees, 0.9 degrees below normal.

Sunday (1st) afternoon was sunny with wildfire haze persisting as temperatures varied from the upper 70s east to mid 80s west. Southerly winds developed into Monday (2nd) with clear skies at sunrise and unseasonably warm morning temperatures in the upper 50s and low 60s. Afternoon temperatures rose into the upper 80s and low 90s as wind speeds increased out of the south ahead of a cold front draped across the Dakotas; the statewide average high was 87 degrees, 10 degrees above normal. The surface boundary pushed into western Iowa into the evening hours with initial, isolated severe-warned thunderstorms firing from the afternoon heat. Wind damage to a hog barn was reported in Hospers (Sioux County) from a localized downburst along with heavy downpours. Scattered showers and thunderstorms expanded across western Iowa overnight into Tuesday (3rd) and spread into eastern Iowa through the daytime hours. With rain and overcast skies, afternoon temperatures held in the upper 50s behind the front while upper 70s were observed in eastern Iowa, where atmospheric instability was present. Severe thunderstorms developed along the cold front and spawned an EF-0 tornado in New Boston (Lee County) and an EF-1 tornado south of the Quad Cities.

The system exited the state by daybreak on Wednesday (4th) with widespread rainfall totals reported at 7:00 am. Nearly 30 stations registered at least 2.00 inches with the highest amounts found in northwest and eastern Iowa; Le Claire Lock and Dam (Scott County) collected 2.01 inches while Sioux Center (Sioux County) hit 3.73 inches. Much of east-central Iowa observed totals in the 0.25-0.50 inch range; the statewide average amount was 0.94 inch. Calm to light winds and clear skies allowed foggy conditions to develop on Thursday (5th) morning with temperatures from the mid 40s west to upper 50s east. Winds swung around to the northeast as afternoon conditions warmed into the 70s with mostly sunny skies. Showers moved into western Iowa later in the day and propagated through northern Iowa into Friday (6th) morning. Rain amounts were under a few tenths of an inch over the state’s northwestern half. Skies remained partly cloudy with light winds and temperatures in the 70s. Spotty showers redeveloped across north-central Iowa on Saturday (7th) morning with the highest totals ranging from 0.61 inch at Mason City Municipal Airport (Cerro Gordo County) to 0.74 inch in Ames (Story County). A more concentrated complex of moderate showers moved along the Iowa-Missouri border and into central Iowa through the day with several stations collecting more than an inch; Perry (Dallas County) observed 1.18 inches while Jefferson (Greene County) picked up 1.63 inches. Conditions cleared into Sunday (8th) as a cold front dropped southeast across Iowa with temperatures hovering in the upper 50s and low 60s.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from 0.13 inch at Waterloo Municipal Airport (Black Hawk County) to 3.86 inches in Sioux Center. The statewide weekly average precipitation was 1.26 inches; the normal is 1.17 inches. Sioux City Airport (Woodbury County) reported the week’s high temperature of 94 degrees on the 2nd, 15 degrees above normal. Several stations reported the week’s low temperature of 44 degrees on the 4th, on average 12 degrees below normal.

From the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“Planting is nearly complete across the state and most of the corn and soybeans have emerged. Many farmers are now turning their attention to applying crop protection products and baling hay,” Secretary Naig said. “While haze from Canadian wildfires has hung around the last few days, it’s expected to clear by mid-week. The forecast shows much of the state could receive some welcome rain in the week ahead.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop report

Dry weather with isolated showers led to 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 1, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Primary field activities included planting, cutting hay and spraying emerging crops.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 23 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 27 percent short, 65 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 97 percent. Corn emerged reached 87 percent, 6 days ahead of last year’s pace and 1 day ahead of normal. Corn condition rated 84 percent good to excellent. Ninety-six percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted. Soybeans emerged reached 79 percent, 10 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of normal. Soybean condition rated 81 percent good to excellent. Ninety-five percent of the State’s oat crop has emerged. Oats headed reached 41 percent, 2 days ahead of last year and 1 week ahead of normal. Oat condition rated 85 percent good to excellent.

Sixty-one percent of the State’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed, 6 days ahead of last year and average. Hay condition rated 83 percent good to excellent.  Pasture condition rated 73 percent good to excellent.

Weather summary

Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Upper level wildfire smoke produced a copper-colored Sun on several days during the reporting period, slightly reducing incoming solar radiation. Along with persisting cloud cover mid-week, air temperatures remained cooler than normal for the end of May; the statewide average temperature was 62.2 degrees, 2.4 degrees below normal. Rainfall totals were generally light across the state with scarce amounts in south-central and eastern Iowa.

Showers moving across southern Iowa dissipated by noon on Sunday (25th), leaving behind totals generally under 0.10 inch; Pacific Junction (Mills County) reported more than double this amount at 0.22 inch. Most of Iowa reported clear conditions into Monday (26th) morning with lows ranging from the upper 40s north to mid 50s south. Clouds began to increase over southwestern Iowa during the late morning with mostly cloudy skies developing statewide toward the evening hours as temperatures reached into the upper 60s and low 70s. Showers developed across western Iowa into Tuesday (27th) as a cut-off low pressure system stalled over the Upper Midwest. Overcast skies and rain persisted through the day with high temperatures ranging from the upper 50s northwest to low 70s southeast. Light rain tapered off overnight into Wednesday (28th) with cloudy morning conditions and temperatures in the 50s. Event rain totals were highest in western Iowa with 0.51 inch at Sioux City Airport (Woodbury County) to 0.64 inch in Bedford (Taylor County). Many stations receiving rainfall had general amounts in the 0.20-0.40-inch range with lesser amounts farther east. Unsettled conditions continued through the daylight hours with high temperatures in the 60s and light, northerly winds. Patchy fog formed in central to western Iowa early on Thursday (29th) with clouds hanging over much of northern Iowa. Peeks of sunshine were visible here and there towards the evening with temperatures warming into the upper 60s and low 70s with some scattered light showers. Wind shifted to a northwesterly direction into Friday (30th), ushering Canadian wildfire smoke into the region. Wind speeds increased across the state with temperatures breaching the 80 degrees mark across southeastern Iowa; conditions held in the upper 70s over the rest of Iowa with ample sunshine. Saturday (31st) was an ideal day for Iowans with light and variable winds, comfortable relative humidity and highs in the low 80s. Sunday (1st) morning dawned with lows in the 50s and upper level smoke producing a beautiful sunrise.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from no accumulation at multiple stations in east-central Iowa to 0.79 inch in Remsen (Plymouth County). The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.21 inch; the normal is 1.08 inches. Several southwest stations reported the week’s high temperature of 88 degrees on the 31st, on average nine degrees above normal. Multiple northern Iowa stations reported the week’s low temperature of 40 degrees on the 26th and 27th, on average 12 degrees below normal.

From the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“Last week’s cool and soggy conditions sidelined many farmers who were looking to finish planting or complete other field work. Despite the delays, most farmers are grateful to receive the rain as we recharge our soils and give the crops a strong early season boost,” said Secretary Naig. “We expect a less active weather pattern with warmer temperatures and spotty rain in the week ahead.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop report

Timely rains while needed, limited Iowa farmers to 3.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 25, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Corn and soybean planting continued but some producers are waiting for warmer and drier conditions to start spraying.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 4 percent very short, 15 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 23 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 5 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 95 percent. Corn emerged reached 76 percent, 6 days ahead of last year’s pace and 2 days ahead of normal. Corn condition rated 0 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 62 percent good and 21 percent excellent. Ninety-two percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted, just over 2 weeks ahead of last year and 8 days ahead of the 5-year average. Soybeans emerged reached 60 percent, 8 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of normal. Soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 64 percent good and 16 percent excellent. Ninety-two percent of the State’s oat crop has emerged. Oats headed reached 26 percent. Oat condition rated 0 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 13 percent fair, 69 percent good and 17 percent excellent.

Forty percent of the State’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed.  Hay condition rated 85 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 68 percent good to excellent.

Weather summary

Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Unseasonably cool and wet conditions were the headline of the reporting period with widespread, beneficial rain across much of Iowa; nearly 250-300% of normal rainfall was observed in central to eastern Iowa. Coupled with cloud cover and rain, conditions were six to 10 degrees below normal with the statewide average temperature at 55.0 degrees, 8.1 degrees below normal.

Easterly winds persisted through Sunday (18th) afternoon under sunny skies and highs in the upper 60s and low 70s. Cloud cover increased towards midnight as showers and a few thunderstorms pushed into southwest Iowa ahead of a low pressure center over the Dakotas. Rain totals at 7:00 am on Monday (19th) were in the 0.25 – 0.75 inch range across much of western Iowa with pockets over an inch near the Iowa-Nebraska border; Randolph (Fremont County) reported 1.10 inches while 1.55 inches was observed in Blencoe (Harrison County). A stronger disturbance moved into southern Iowa during the afternoon hours, where high temperatures were in the mid to upper 60s. Severe-warned thunderstorms crossed into Iowa from northern Missouri and sped northeast into late evening as showers and thunderstorms overspread much of Iowa. Several reports of hail were noted along I-35 with 2.00-inch diameter hail in Grand River (Decatur County) and Osceola (Clarke County). Light to moderate rain continued from central to northeastern Iowa into Tuesday (20th) morning with lows in the mid 40s northeast to upper 50s southwest. Additional stronger thunderstorms fired in eastern Iowa as the low pressure center transited into Wisconsin in the latter daytime hours. Nearly 85% of Iowa stations reported an inch or more with 70 stations collecting at least two inches, particularly along a swath of south-central to central Iowa and into eastern Iowa; Gilbert (Story County) registered 3.02 inches while Norwalk (Warren County) observed 4.76 inches. At a statewide average of 2.06 inches, these rain totals made up the bulk of the week’s rainfall.

Overcast skies remained through Wednesday (21st) with daytime highs in the low 50s north to low 60s south with gusty northwesterly winds. Light showers filtered into eastern Iowa, though totals were generally under a few tenths of an inch; Anamosa (Jones County) collected 0.20 inch with 0.31 inch in Park View (Scott County). Skies over western Iowa cleared into Thursday (22nd) morning, allowing lows to drop into the low to mid 40s. Highs rose into the 60s across much of the state as stubborn clouds and light northerly winds remained. Friday (23rd) was pleasant as mostly sunny skies, light winds and temperatures in the mid to upper 60s greeted Iowans ahead of Memorial Day weekend. Cloud cover and showers moved through western Iowa into the late evening and dissipated through the overnight hours. Northwest Iowa reported the highest totals with 0.55 inch in Orange City (Sioux County) with totals tapering off to a few tenths east and south. Saturday (24th) stayed cloudy for most of the day with temperatures in the low 60s to low 70s with light showers filling in across southern Iowa after sunset. The highest rain totals, between 0.21 – 0.42 inch, were isolated to Mills, Page and Pottawattamie counties as of Sunday (25th) morning.

Weekly rain totals ranged 0.49 inch in Sanborn (O’Brien County) to 4.99 inches in Grand River. The statewide weekly average rainfall was 2.10 inches; the normal is 1.10 inches. Several stations reported the week’s high temperature of 78 degrees on the 18th, on average five degrees above normal. Mason City (Cerro Gordo County) reported the week’s low temperature of 32 degrees on the 20th, 17 degrees below normal. Soil temperatures were in the upper 50s to low 60s statewide as of Sunday.

From the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“Iowa farmers made significant progress in the field last week thanks to several consecutive days of warm and windy weather conditions,” Secretary Naig said. “This week’s forecast calls for cooler temperatures and several chances of rain showers, which may cause farmers to pause field work for a few days. We need the moisture across the state, and the widespread rainfall will give the recently planted corn and soybeans a good boost.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop Report

Little or no precipitation and warm temperatures allowed Iowa farmers 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 18, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Corn and soybean planting made rapid progress. There were scattered reports of replanting as early planted crops in some areas had struggled to emerge with the dry conditions.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 8 percent very short, 37 percent short, 53 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 6 percent very short, 34 percent short, 58 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 91 percent complete, 12 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of the 5-year average. Fifty-eight percent of corn had emerged, 5 days ahead of last year’s pace and 3 days ahead of normal. Eighty-four percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted just over 2 weeks ahead of last year and 1 week ahead the 5-year average.  Soybeans emerged reached 42 percent, 8 days ahead of last year and 6 days ahead of normal. Eighty-six percent of the State’s oat crop has emerged. Oats headed reached 15 percent. Oat condition rated 0 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 13 percent fair, 71 percent good and 15 percent excellent.

Twenty-three percent of the State’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed.  Hay condition rated 78 percent good to excellent.

Weather Summary

Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Much of southern and eastern Iowa reported rain-free conditions with departures approaching 1.20 – 1.40 inches below normal through the reporting period. Only stations in northwest Iowa received more than a few tenths of an inch. Unseasonably warm temperatures also persisted with a statewide average temperature of 65.0 degrees, 4.1 degrees above normal.

Sunday (11th) afternoon temperatures were in the upper 80s and low 90s northwest while upper 70s were observed southeast under sunny skies. Winds turned east to east-southeasterly on Monday (12th) morning with low temperatures in the 50s. Daytime temperatures rose into the 80s with low relative humidity and sunshine. Very isolated showers clipped the Iowa-Illinois border just after midnight, bringing meager totals to a handful of stations; Park View (Scott County) collected 0.01 inch while Camanche (Clinton County) registered 0.08 inch. Tuesday (13th) dawned with morning temperatures in the upper 50s and low 60s with mostly sunny skies. Afternoon temperatures warmed into the 80s with winds out of a southerly direction and spotty clouds in northeastern Iowa, where light showers popped up. Several stations reported minor amounts, ranging from 0.03 inch in Waukon (Allamakee County) to 0.31 inch in Ionia (Chickasaw County). Wednesday (14th) was mirror-image in terms of temperature and wind behavior with cloud cover increasing towards the end of the day as a low pressure center moved into South Dakota.

A line of stronger thunderstorms pushed across the northwest corner of Iowa overnight into Thursday (15th). Rain totals were locally heavy with 0.55 inch in Rock Rapids (Lyon County) to 0.77 inch in Sibley (Osceola County). Winds gradually shifted easterly through the day as a cold front swept west to east. Temperatures varied from low 60s northwest, behind the front, to upper 80s southeast. Winds swung back to the southwest by Friday (16th) with clear morning conditions and temperatures in the mid 50s to low 60s. Several lines of light showers ushered through the state’s northern half with many stations collecting less than 0.10 inch; Sibley observed an additional 0.29 inch with 0.14 inch at Le Mars (Plymouth County) and Orange City (Sioux County). The pattern quieted down into Saturday (17th) with a somewhat damp and chilly start to the day as temperatures held in the 40s with gusty northwesterly winds. Skies cleared from west to east in the afternoon with upper 50s and low 60s statewide. Clouds increased into Sunday (18th) morning over portions of northern Iowa with lows in the 30s to mid 40s.

Weekly rain totals ranged from no accumulation south and east to 1.06 inches in Sibley. The statewide weekly average rainfall was 0.05 inch; the normal is 1.01 inch. Davenport Municipal Airport (Scott County) reported the week’s high temperature of 94 degrees on the 15th, 22 degrees above normal. Mason City (Cerro Gordo County) reported the week’s low temperature of 32 degrees on the 18th, 16 degrees below normal. Soil temperatures were in the upper 50s to low 60s statewide as of Sunday.

From the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“Much of Iowa enjoyed a stretch of nearly ideal weather this week. The warmer temperatures paired with drier conditions allowed farmers to keep the planters rolling and we saw a big leap in planting progress over the past seven days,” Secretary Naig said. “Looking ahead to next week, there are increased chances of rain and cooler temperatures in the forecast. Farmers will keep an eye on the sky and continue with planting and other field work as conditions allow.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop report

A warm and dry week made for excellent planting conditions, allowing 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 11, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Producers made quick progress planting corn and soybeans. Conditions were also favorable for spraying.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 22 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 24 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 76 percent 8 days ahead of last year and 3 days ahead of the 5-year average. Corn emerged reached 30 percent, 4 days ahead of last year’s pace and 2 days ahead of normal. Sixty-four percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted, 10 days ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of the 5-year average. Soybeans emerged reached 16 percent. Nearly all of the oat crop has been planted, with 74 percent emerged, 3 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of normal. Reports of oats starting to head were received. Oat condition rated 85 percent good to excellent, up 6 percentage points from last week.

Six percent of the State’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed. The first hay rating of the year showed 84 percent in good to excellent condition.  Pasture condition rated 64 percent good to excellent, up 4 percentage points from last week.  Livestock were reported to be in good condition with some cows and calves turned out on grass.

Weather summary

Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

A stable blocking high pressure system brought unseasonable warmth across Iowa through the reporting period. Temperatures were 10 to 12 degrees above normal in northwestern Iowa with a statewide average temperature of 54.8 degrees, 0.5 degree above normal. Rainfall was generally sparse across the state, though southern and eastern Iowa stations did report measurable amounts.

Sunday (4th) afternoon was pleasant with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s under sunny skies and light, variable winds. Skies remained generally clear into Monday (5th) with morning temperatures in the 40s and spotty clouds southeast. Easterly winds increased through the daylight hours with temperatures rising into the upper 70s in western Iowa with upper 60s farther east. A southerly shifting wind held overnight lows into Tuesday (6th) in the upper 40s and low 50s as starry skies persisted. Afternoon conditions were nice as temperatures climbed into the mid to upper 70s with low relative humidity. Wednesday (7th) morning dawned with cloudless skies, northerly winds and lows in the 50s. Daytime temperatures warmed into the 60s over southern Iowa as a warm front lifted north across Iowa. Winds north of the boundary remained northeasterly as southerly winds held over southern Iowa. With enough forcing and moisture near the surface front, westerly propagating thundershowers formed along a west-to-east line during the evening hours. Of the stations reporting rainfall, most locations observed under a tenth of an inch. The highest totals were found in east-central Iowa, particularly in Linn County; amounts ranged from 0.29 inch in Cedar Rapids to 1.01 inches in Marion. Cloud cover cleared through the nighttime hours with winds shifting easterly.

Thursday (8th) morning started with low temperatures in the 50s with cloudless skies. Afternoon conditions were again ideal with low dewpoint temperatures and highs in the 70s. Morning conditions on Friday (9th) were five to 10 degrees cooler than the prior day with high-level haze and light winds. There was a broad range of temperatures during the afternoon with mid 80s northwest to lows 70s southeast with variable winds statewide. Winds shifted gradually from southerly to northerly into Saturday (10th) as temperatures rose into the 80s and low 90s at a handful of stations. Even with warmer temperatures, anomalously low dewpoints created enjoyable conditions with ample sunshine; the statewide average high was 85 degrees, 16 degrees above normal. Sunday (11th) began warmer than usual, also, with lows in the low 50s southeast to low 60s northwest.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from no accumulation at many stations to 1.09 inches in Marion. The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.05 inch; the normal is 1.00 inch. Ames (Story County) reported the week’s high temperature of 92 degrees on the 10th, 23 degrees above normal. Chariton (Lucas County) reported the week’s low temperature of 32 degrees on the 5th, 10 degrees below normal. Four-inch soil temperatures were in upper 50s to low 70s east to west as of Sunday.