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.

“Overall pleasant weather helped produce record attendance at the Iowa State Fair over the last week and half, even with a few rainy days mixed in,” said Secretary Naig. “That widespread rain, coupled with the warmer temperatures forecasted through the end of August, should give crops a good boost heading into September.”

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

Crop report

Iowa farmers averaged 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 18, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included cutting and baling hay and preparing for the fall harvest.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 17 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 16 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus.

Corn in the dough stage or beyond reached 82 percent this week, 3 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the five-year average. Twenty-eight percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage, 3 days behind last year but 1 day ahead of the five-year average. The corn crop has just begun to mature. Corn condition was rated at 77 percent good to excellent. Ninety-six percent of soybeans were blooming with 83 percent setting pods, 1 week behind last year and 3 days behind average. Soybeans have just begun turning color. Soybean condition was 77 percent good to excellent. Ninety-six percent of oats have been harvested for grain.

The State’s third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 63 percent, 1 week behind last year but 4 days ahead of the five-year average. Hay condition rated 79 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 72 percent good to excellent.

Weather summary

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

Widespread rainfall was observed through the reporting period with above-normal totals in southern and western Iowa. Overall conditions were generally cool and pleasant for the Iowa State Fair. Temperatures across Iowa varied from near-normal to nearly four degrees below normal in the northwest; the statewide average temperature of 70.0 degrees, 2.2 degrees below normal.

Partly sunny skies persisted across eastern Iowa through Sunday (11th) afternoon as clouds increased farther west. Daytime temperatures held in the 70s and southerly winds developed in advance of the next weather system to impact Iowa. Showers and a few thunderstorms pushed into Iowa overnight and expanded to cover most of the state by daybreak on Monday (12th). Light showers remained in east-central Iowa through the afternoon hours as temperatures varied from the upper 60s west to upper 70s east. Most stations in the southwestern two-thirds of Iowa reported at least 0.25 inches with widespread 0.50-1.00 inch readings across swaths of central and southern Iowa; two stations in Council Bluffs (Pottawattamie County) registered 2.19 and 2.70 inches. Overcast clouds remained over most of the state into Tuesday (13th) morning with upper 50s and low 60s over northern Iowa along with widespread fog; temperatures were five to 10 degrees warmer farther south. Afternoon temperatures rose into the 70s with spotty low-80 degree readings in far eastern Iowa where skies were clear. Winds shifted to an east-southeasterly direction through the early morning hours on Wednesday (14th) as stronger storms with moderate to heavy rainfall moved into southwestern Iowa ahead of an outflow boundary. Rain continued over much of southern Iowa through late morning as a secondary complex of showers propagated over northern Iowa into the afternoon and early evening hours. A warm front associated with a low pressure center over Minnesota lifted over southwestern Iowa and acted as a focusing mechanism for additional storms into the nighttime hours. More widespread development occurred through the early hours of Thursday (15th) with showers finally moving out of eastern Iowa by noon. More than half of Iowa’s stations observed at least 0.80 inch of rainfall with nearly 155 stations hitting one inch or more. Forty stations in eastern and southern Iowa registered at least 2.00 inches; Truro (Madison County) collected 3.00 inches with and additional 3.48 inches in Council Bluffs. The statewide average for the event was 0.97 inch.

A mid-level disturbance behind the exiting system fired isolated storms, some severe warned, across southern Iowa into the evening. Heavier rainfall was reported over counties adjacent to the Mississippi River, from 0.65 inch in Keokuk (Lee County) to 1.47 inches at Bellevue Lock and Dam (Jackson County). Totals into east-central Iowa tapered off to a few tenths. Starry skies were visible at sunrise on Friday (16th) as morning lows dropped into the mid to upper 60s with a westerly wind. Increasing clouds over northern Iowa held high temperatures in the mid to upper 70s while conditions approached the upper 80s in the southwest. Scattered thundershowers developed in northeast Iowa on the backside of the low pressure feature over the Great Lakes. A handful of stations reported measurable totals with 0.21 inch in Osage (Mitchell County) to 0.85 inch in Decorah (Winneshiek County). Widespread cloud cover formed into Saturday (17th) with morning temperatures in the low 60s west to upper 60s east under northwesterly winds. Afternoon conditions were pleasant for much of Iowa with upper mid 70s to low 80s statewide and a few passing showers in eastern Iowa. Patchy fog was observed on Sunday (18th) morning with lows in the mid to upper 50s northwest.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from 0.38 inch at Oelwein Municipal Airport (Fayette County) to 5.67 inches in Council Bluffs. The statewide weekly average precipitation was 1.33 inches while the normal is 0.93 inch. Several stations reported the week’s high temperature of 89 degrees on the 16th, on average five degrees above normal. Multiple stations reported the week’s low temperature of 48 degrees on the 12th and 18th, 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.

“Iowans flocked to Des Moines during the first few days of the Iowa State Fair, setting an all-time single-day attendance record on Saturday thanks to beautiful weather,” said Secretary Naig. “With favorable growing conditions expected to continue, USDA’s latest projections show record-breaking corn and soybean yield potential, all of which underscores the need to further develop new and existing markets for Iowa commodities.”

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

Crop report

Most of the State experienced dry conditions and cool temperatures which allowed Iowa farmers 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 11, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service.  Field activities included harvesting oats for grain, cutting and baling hay, and preparing for the fall harvest.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 20 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 16 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus.

Corn silking reached 96 percent this week. Sixty-nine percent of the corn crop has reached dough stage or beyond, 1 day behind last year but 2 days ahead of the five-year average. Seventeen percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage, 4 days behind last year but 3 days ahead of the average. Corn condition was rated 77 percent good to excellent. Ninety-four percent of soybeans were blooming, equal to the five-year average. Soybeans setting pods reached 74 percent, 5 days behind last year and 2 days behind the average. Soybean condition rated 77 percent good to excellent. Ninety-three percent of oats have been harvested, 1 day ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of average.  

The State’s second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 97 percent complete. The State’s third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 45 percent, 1 week behind last year but 2 days ahead of the five-year average. Hay condition rated 75 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 63 percent good to excellent.

Weather summary

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

A stable weather pattern dominated Iowa for most of the reporting period with unseasonably cool temperatures to start the Iowa State Fair. Weekly temperature departures were in the negative three to six-degree range with a statewide average temperature of 67.0 degrees, 4.9 degrees below normal. Rainfall was limited to northern and southwestern Iowa with dry conditions in between.

Sunday (4th) afternoon was unseasonably hot with highs in the mid to upper 90s across southern Iowa while upper 80s and low 90s were observed east. Only northwestern Iowa experienced cooler conditions as a weak cold front moved southeast. Isolated thunderstorms from earlier in the day dissipated, though showers reformed across northern Iowa overnight into Monday (5th). Only a handful of stations had measurable totals ranging from 0.01 inch in Mason City (Cerro Gordo County) to 0.51 inch at Grafton (Worth County). Morning temperatures held in the 70s and rebounded into the 90s through the day as a low pressure system skirted the Iowa-Minnesota border. Cloudy conditions developed over the evening hours as showers and a few thunderstorms moved through northeastern Iowa. Gusty northwesterly winds built in as the low’s attendant cold front swept west to east, dropping Tuesday (6th) morning lows into the upper 50s to mid 60s. Rainfall was observed from north-central to northeastern Iowa with eight stations registering an inch or more; Waucoma (Fayette County) had 1.00 inch while 1.89 inches was observed in Lansing (Allamakee County). Amounts tapered off southwest with general totals under 0.20 inch. Clouds gradually cleared northwest to southeast with afternoon temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s. Variable winds developed into Wednesday (7th) with generally clear skies and lows in the mid 50s northwest to low 60s southeast. Daytime conditions were partly cloudy as highs gradually rose into upper 70s and low 80s with high pressure in control of the Upper Midwest.

Another weak cold front dropped through the state into early Thursday (8th) with light rain showers in southwestern Iowa. Several stations reported varying amounts from 0.01 inch in Atlantic (Cass County) to 0.35 inch in Pacific (Mills County). Isolated showers also developed mid-morning in central Iowa with lighter amounts just west of the Iowa State Fairgrounds; a gauge in Urbandale (Polk County) recorded 0.03 inch from a cell that quickly diminished. Early fairgoers experienced a daytime high of 77 degrees with light northwesterly winds under sunny skies. Friday (9th) morning dawned clear with temperatures in the low 50s and some upper 40s in northwest Iowa. Upper 60s and low 70s greeted Iowans through the day as clouds increased across the state under periodic gusty northwest winds. Westerlies developed into Saturday (10th) with overnight low temperatures in the low 40s over northwestern Iowa to low 50s farther southeast; the statewide average low was 49 degrees, 13 degrees below normal. Afternoon temperatures warmed through the low to mid 70s while spotty clouds moved overhead. Stars were visible into Sunday (10th) morning with lows dropping to the upper 40s in north-central Iowa, while holding in the 50s across the rest of Iowa.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from no accumulation for most Iowa stations to 1.95 inches in Lansing (Allamakee County). The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.11 inch while the normal is 0.96 inch. Lamoni (Decatur County) reported the week’s high temperature of 99 degrees on the 4th, 12 degrees above normal. Mapleton (Monona County) reported the week’s low temperature of 43 degrees on the 10th, 18 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.

“Before flipping the calendar into a warm first weekend of August, we finished up a particularly wet July for parts of Iowa with several rounds of thunderstorms. With the start of the Iowa State Fair this week, fairgoers can expect much more pleasant weather and temperatures. 

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

Crop report

Most of the State received rain showers and experienced above average temperatures. These conditions allowed Iowa farmers 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 4, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting oats for grain, cutting and baling hay, and applying fungicides.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 12 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 11 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 10 percent short, 79 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus.

Corn silking hit 92 percent this week, 5 days behind last year but equal to the five-year average. Fifty-one percent of the corn crop has reached dough stage or beyond, 3 days ahead of the five-year average. Eight percent of the corn crop has reached the dent state. Corn condition was rated at 77 percent good to excellent. Ninety percent of soybeans were blooming, one week behind last year but 1 day ahead of the normal. Soybeans setting pods reached 58 percent, 5 days behind last year and 3 days behind the five-year average. Soybean condition was 76 percent good to excellent. Eighty-five percent of oats have been harvested, 5 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of the five-year average.

The State’s second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 92 percent complete, 6 days behind last year but equal to the five-year average. The State’s third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 27 percent, 8 days behind last year but 1 day ahead of the five-year average. Hay condition rated 72 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 62 percent good to excellent.

Weather summary

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

Several rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms early in the reporting period gave way to a warmer and less active pattern by the end of the week. Above-average rainfall was observed in south-central and southeastern Iowa. Temperatures were unseasonably warm with the statewide average temperature at 76.8 degrees, 3.6 degrees above normal.

Sunday (28th) afternoon temperatures quickly rose into the upper 80s and low 90s across southern Iowa as showers and thunderstorms pushed into the state’s northwest corner. The thunderstorm complex moved into central Iowa after sunset and increased in coverage across southern and eastern Iowa through early Monday (29th) morning. Many of the storms were sluggish with moderate to heavy rainfall over swaths of central and southeastern Iowa; 15 stations collected at least 2.00 inches with 3.05 inches in Fairfield (Jefferson County) to 3.51 inches in Indianola (Warren County). Most stations receiving rainfall observed at least 0.50 inch with a statewide average of 0.81 inch. Winds became variable through the day with afternoon temperatures ranging from the mid 80s north to low 90s south under mostly sunny skies. Thunderstorms entered northwestern Iowa just after midnight on Tuesday (30th) and sped southeast. As this severe-warned complex exited southeastern Iowa mid-morning, a secondary squall line followed a nearly identical path, becoming severe-warned in west-central Iowa. Locally heavy rain and several reports of strong wind gusts were reported in central to southeastern Iowa; additional discrete thunderstorms formed behind the line, producing large hail from Ankeny (Polk County) to Pella (Marion County). Stations along the axis of motion reported heavier totals above 0.75 inch with 1.00 inch in Storm Lake (Buena Vista) to 2.30 inches in Montrose (Lee County). Evening conditions were quiet as clouds cleared with a light southerly wind. Scattered overnight thunderstorms fired across central Iowa and slowly pushed southeast as a narrow line developed behind the initial convection. Storm motion was again slow with ample moisture to produce heavy rainfall; flash flood warnings were issued across several southern counties. Rainfall amounts at 7:00 am on Wednesday (31st) were high around Pella, where 5.86 inches was reported. Stations farther southeast including Oskaloosa (Mahaska County) and Ottumwa (Wapello County) registered 2.97 and 2.43-inch totals, respectively. Afternoon temperatures shot up into the mid to upper 80s as clouds moved out. Instability across southern Iowa fed a fast-moving squall line during the evening hours. The line bowed out as it moved through central Iowa, producing high winds and locally heavy rain. A secondary line pushed through northern Iowa, also producing heavy rain; Lake Mills (Winnebago County) collected 2.25 inches. The remaining days of the week were quieter and warm. Temperatures on Thursday (1st) and Friday (2nd) pushed into the 80s with partly sunny skies. Morning lows on Saturday (3rd) only fell into the mid to upper 60s with some fog observed in central to northwest Iowa. Iowans experienced upper 80s and low 90s through the day with light winds and sunny skies. Southern winds returned overnight with starry skies and Sunday (4th) morning lows in the mid to upper 60s.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from 0.06 inch at Spencer Municipal Airport (Clay County) to 7.67 inches in Pella (Marion County). The statewide weekly average precipitation was 1.67 inches while the normal is 0.95 inch. Several stations reported the week’s high temperature of 96 degrees on multiple days, on average 11 degrees above normal. Algona (Kossuth County) reported the week’s low temperature of 51 degrees on the 2nd, 10 degrees below normal.

Released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service 

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.

“Sweltering temperatures and scattered thunderstorms dotted much of Iowa over the weekend,” said Secretary Naig. “The mid-growing season heat and timely rain helped push crops along through the pivotal weeks of July. August looks to start warmer and drier and will shift toward more seasonal conditions through the beginning of the Iowa State Fair.”

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

Crop report

Scattered rainfall allowed Iowa farmers 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 28, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting oats for grain, cutting and baling hay, and applying fungicides.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 12 percent short, 80 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 11 percent short, 80 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus.

Corn silking hit 85 percent this week, 2 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the five-year average. Thirty-four percent of the corn crop has reached dough stage or beyond, 1 day ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of average. Two percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage. Corn condition was rated 77 percent good to excellent. Eighty-three percent of soybeans were blooming, 4 days behind last year but 1 day ahead of normal. Soybeans setting pods reached 43 percent, 2 days behind last year. Soybean condition was 76 percent good to excellent. Ninety-six percent of oats were turning color or beyond. The oat harvest for grain reached 67 percent complete, 6 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of the five-year average.

The State’s second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 87 percent complete, 4 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the five-year average. The State’s third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 16 percent, 6 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the five-year average. Hay condition rated 78 percent good to excellent.  Pasture condition rated 71 percent good to excellent. Heat stress in livestock was reported. 

Weather summary

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

Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms were observed almost every day of the reporting period, though most of Iowa’s stations experienced drier than normal conditions. Weekly temperatures varied from slightly above average across portions of central to northwestern Iowa to cooler east; the statewide average temperature was 73.9 degrees, 0.4 degree below normal.

Winds were light and variable through Sunday (21st) afternoon with partly to mostly cloudy skies and temperatures in the upper 70s and low 80s. Scattered thundershowers formed over the evening hours in eastern Iowa before dissipating by midnight. Rain totals were under a few tenths of an inch, though Waterloo (Black Hawk County) observed 1.02 inches. Northern and eastern Iowa encountered foggy conditions at daybreak on Monday (22nd) where morning temperatures were in the low to mid 60s. Later in the day, Canadian wildfire smoke filtered into the state, giving a copper-colored fringe to developing cumulus clouds. Isolated pop-up thunderstorms fired in the afternoon across central and southern Iowa before diminishing with the loss of daytime heating. Rain amounts were at or above 0.50 inch at nearly 30 stations with 1.85 inches in Ames (Story County) to 2.13 inches in Lucas (Lucas County). Overnight lows into Tuesday (23rd) held in the low to mid 60s with patchy fog visible across much of the state. Winds swung to the southwest as daytime highs varied from the 70s east to mid 80s west. Scattered thunderstorms refired along an existing outflow boundary from central to eastern Iowa through the afternoon hours with a secondary cluster later in the evening over northwestern Iowa. A new area of convection pushed into east-central Iowa around sunrise on Wednesday (24th) before moving into Illinois by late morning. Rainfall totals were more widespread with a broad swath of 0.50-1.00 inch amounts from northwest to east-central Iowa; two stations, Swisher (Johnson County) and Central City (Linn County) registered 2.10 and 2.60 inches, respectively. Cloud cover remained over northern Iowa through the afternoon behind a southerly moving cold front, holding highs in the mid to upper 70s while clear skies allowed upper 80s and some low 90s farther south. Scattered thunderstorms developed along the boundary later in the day. Lamoni (Decatur County) collected 1.05 inches while Burlington (Des Moines County) reported 1.58 inches; four stations in Lee County reported totals in the 1.07 to 1.48-inch range.

Thursday (25th) morning started with upper 50s and low 60s northeast to widespread upper 60s southwest under overcast skies. Winds shifted to an easterly direction through the daylight hours as highs rose into the upper 70s and low 80s under partly cloudy conditions. Clouds spread over most of Iowa into Friday (26th) with very spotty, slow-moving thunderstorms in southeastern Iowa. Rathbun Dam (Appanoose County) measured 1.40 inches with 2.13 inches in Keokuk (Lee County). A southerly shifting wind helped boost temperatures into the 90s across western Iowa while conditions farther east were more than 10 degrees cooler. A few pulse thunderstorms developed in central Iowa towards the evening with five stations in Dallas and Warren counties collecting more than an inch. Morning lows on Saturday (27th) remained unseasonably warm, in the upper 60s and low 70s, with foggy conditions from south-central to northern Iowa. Afternoon conditions were mostly sunny statewide with temperatures in the mid to upper 80s. A weak low pressure center over Missouri spun showers into eastern Iowa later in the evening and persisted through Sunday (28th) morning; only a handful of stations observed light rainfall totals.

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.

“Severe thunderstorms early last week gave way to a cooler and quieter string of days as corn pollination is underway across the state,” Secretary Naig said. “Temperatures look to warm up through the week for county fairgoers. 

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

Crop report

Most of the State received little rainfall and experienced below average temperatures. These conditions allowed Iowa farmers 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 21, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting oats for grain, cutting and baling hay, and applying fungicides.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 10 percent short, 81 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 10 percent short, 80 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus.

Corn silking reached 68 percent, 1 day behind last year but 2 days ahead of the five-year average. Corn crop at the dough stage reached 18 percent, 2 days ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of the five-year average. Corn condition was rated at 75 percent good to excellent. Soybean crop blooming reached 69 percent, 5 days behind last year but equal to the five-year average. Soybeans setting pods reached 25 percent, 2 days behind last year and 1 day behind the five-year average. Soybean condition was 74 percent good to excellent. Oats turning color reached 89 percent, 2 days behind last year but 3 days ahead of the five-year average. The oat harvest for grain reached 44 percent complete, 5 days ahead of last year and the five-year average. Oat condition was 76 percent good to excellent.

The state’s second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 75 percent complete, 5 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the five-year average. The third cutting of alfalfa hay began at 6 percent, 4 days behind last year but 1 day ahead of the five-year average. Hay condition rated 78 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 71 percent good to excellent.

Weather summary

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

The main weather headline of the reporting period was an early week derecho that formed in central Iowa and covered over 500 miles through Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. While pockets of agricultural damage were found, particularly in eastern Iowa, most of Iowa remains free of widespread impacts. Unseasonably cool conditions were also observed statewide with negative departures in the two to four degree range; the statewide average temperature was 71.1 degrees, 2.5 degrees below normal.

Sunday (14th) afternoon was unseasonably warm statewide with daytime temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s under mostly sunny skies. Scattered thunderstorms formed in north-central and eastern Iowa into the evening hours with some storms producing strong wind gusts. The storms dissipated just before midnight as skies cleared with a southeasterly wind into Monday (15th) morning. Lows remained warmer than normal, ranging from the upper 60s north to mid 70s south with patchy fog in northeastern Iowa. Underneath the existing heat dome over the Midwest, afternoon temperatures rose into the upper 80s to mid 90s as a boundary draped west to east became a focusing mechanism for afternoon discrete supercells. The initial storms fired in central Iowa with a fast moving EF-1 rated tornado carving a seven-mile path through the near-western suburbs of Des Moines (Polk County). The storms quickly coalesced into a squall line and sped across eastern Iowa, leaving behind nearly 50 reports of severe straight line winds and hail along with three weak tornadoes; a wind gust of 86 mph was observed near Aurora (Buchanan County). Much of the state’s eastern half reported measurable rainfall with many stations collecting at least 0.50 inch. Stations in east-central Iowa observed heavier amounts with 30 stations at or above 1.50 inches; five stations in Linn County measured more than 2.00 inches from 2.25 inches in Central City to 2.80 inches in Cedar Rapids. The line exited Iowa later in the night as skies cleared with a northwest shifting wind. Tuesday (16th) was a much quieter day with spotty showers passing across Iowa as afternoon temperatures held in the mid to upper 70s. Overnight lows into Wednesday (17th) varied from the upper 50s in northwest Iowa to mid 60s in the southeast corner. Partly cloudy skies developed through the afternoon with highs in the 70s.

Variable and light winds developed into the nighttime hours with pockets of fog reported in northern Iowa on Thursday (18th) morning. Clouds became more prevalent from west to east through the day as afternoon highs varying from the low 70s northeast to low 80s southwest. Skies cleared out across eastern Iowa into Friday (19th) with overcast conditions lingering in western Iowa where temperatures remained in the low to mid 60s; temperatures were five to 10 degrees cooler where clouds weren’t present. Cloudy conditions persisted over the daytime hours with highs holding in the 70s over much of Iowa. Showers pushed into western Iowa toward the evening and spread into central Iowa over the next several hours. Light showers increased in coverage by daybreak on Saturday (20th) with unseasonably cool conditions under stratus clouds and rain. Rainfall eventually ended around sunset with general totals in the 0.10-0.30-inch range. Higher totals were found in pockets of northern and southwest Iowa; Hampton (Franklin County) collected 0.65 inch with a 1.58 inches reading in Underwood (Pottawattamie County). Calm to light winds allowed widespread fog formation through Sunday (21st) morning with temperatures in the low to mid 60s.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from no accumulation in several pockets to 3.66 inches in Cedar Rapids (Linn County). The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.66 inch while the normal is 1.01 inches. Little Sioux (Harrison County) reported the week’s high temperature of 96 degrees on the 15th, 10 degrees above normal. Forest City (Winnebago County) and Mapleton (Monona County) reported the week’s low temperature of 48 degrees on the 18th, on average 14 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.

“Although the first half of July was cooler and wetter than average, Iowa’s tasseling corn encountered some summer heat and humidity this past weekend,” Secretary Naig said. “Monday’s thunderstorms will give way to more seasonal conditions and cooler temperatures. This will be welcome news for our state’s livestock as well as those participating in county fairs around the state.”

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

Crop report

Most of the State received below normal rainfall and experienced mild temperatures. These conditions allowed Iowa farmers 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 14, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting oats for grain, cutting and baling hay, and applying fungicides.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 0 percent very short, 6 percent short, 84 percent adequate and 10 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 82 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus. Corn silking or beyond reached 44 percent, 1 day ahead of last year and 3 days ahead of the five-year average. Corn crop in the dough stage reached 6 percent, 5 days ahead of the average.

Corn condition rated 74 percent good to excellent. Soybean crop blooming reached 50 percent, 3 days behind last year. Soybeans setting pods reached 12 percent, 1 day behind last year but equal to the five-year average. Soybean condition rated 72 percent good to excellent. Oats turning color reached 82 percent, 5 days ahead of the average. Oat harvest for grain jumped to 26 percent complete, 1 week ahead of the average. Oat condition was 77 percent good to excellent.

The State’s second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 57 percent complete, 5 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the average. Hay condition rated 78 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 71 percent good to excellent. Some pastures remain flooded and where floodwaters have receded some pastures are covered in silt.

Weather summary

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

Iowans experienced near-normal temperatures for most of the reporting period before unseasonable warmth returned towards the end of the week; the statewide average temperature was 73.7 degrees, 1.0 degree below normal. Rainfall was reported statewide, though most stations registered below average totals; only the far northeast corner received above normal rain.

Thundershowers continued to fire on Sunday (7th) afternoon with stronger storms forming in western and northern Iowa over the evening hours. The cells consolidated as they moved into central Iowa and then pushed east through the early morning hours of Monday (8th). There were several reports of severe straight line winds and large hail; Albion (Marshall County) registered a 69 mph gust while two-inch hail was observed in Sheldon (O’Brien County). More than half of Iowa’s stations reporting rainfall had at least 0.30 inch with higher totals from north-central to southeast Iowa; Marshalltown (Marshall County) measured 1.61 inches with 2.01 inches at Bloomfield (Davis County). Clouds cleared west to east through the day with temperatures in the upper 70s and low 80s. Spotty thundershowers also popped across eastern Iowa with several stations reporting measurable amounts near an inch; two Lee County stations, Fort Madison and West Point, reported 0.71 and 0.93 inch, respectively. Clear skies and light winds developed overnight with Tuesday (9th) morning lows in the mid to upper 60s. High level clouds from the remains of Hurricane Beryl overspread the state into the afternoon with highs ranging from the low 70s southeast to low 80s northwest. An upper level low pressure center sitting over the Upper Midwest spun showers and thunderstorms into northern Iowa after midnight with further development later in the day on Wednesday (10th). Stronger storms formed along the Iowa-Missouri border into the evening where locally heavy downpours were observed. Slow moving thunderstorms persisted in east-central Iowa over the early hours of Wednesday (10th). Morning lows dropped into the upper 50s in western Iowa with conditions up to ten degrees warmer east. Rain totals were highest in eastern and southwest Iowa with 1.20 inches in Creston (Union County) and 2.13 inches in Coralville (Johnson County). General rainfall amounts were in the 0.20 to 0.40 inch range with a statewide average of 0.23 inch. Daytime conditions were partly cloudy with variable winds and temperatures in the lows 70s north to low 80s south.

High pressure dominated the weather pattern on Thursday (11th) with morning temperatures in the 60s and patchy fog across southern Iowa. Wind shifted to the east through the day with pleasant temperatures in the low 80s under mostly sunny skies. Stars were visible overnight into Friday (12th) as morning temperatures bottomed out in the low to mid 60s. A shift to southeasterly winds boosted highs in the upper 80s over western Iowa while the low to mid 80s were reported across the rest of Iowa. Foggy conditions were observed at daybreak on Saturday (13th) with unseasonably warm morning temperatures in the low 70s under generally clear skies. Gusty southerly winds built in through the day with temperatures from the mid 80s northeast to low 90s south and west. Spotty clouds developed in central to northeastern Iowa as a fast moving complex of thunderstorms, some severe, moved along the Iowa-Wisconsin border after sunset. A secondary line moved over the same region with additional development in eastern Iowa into early Sunday (14th). Several stations in northeastern Iowa observed rainfall with 0.50 inch in Dubuque (Dubuque County) and Elkader (Clayton County) to 0.98 inch at Guttenberg Lock and Dam (Clayton County).

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from a trace at Spencer Municipal Airport (Clay County) to 2.56 inches in Lowden (Cedar County). The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.70 inch, while the normal is 1.05 inches. Little Sioux (Harrison County) reported the week’s high temperature of 94 degrees on the 13th, eight degrees above normal. Mapleton (Monona County) reported the week’s low temperature of 53 degrees on the 10th, nine degrees below normal.