A mini heat wave is under way in the Upper Midwest, or at least parts of it. There’s concern, and rightly so, about how vulnerable segments of the population - the elderly, the young (think of the children!) - might be affected. In all seriousness, my light-hearted headline aside, high temperatures and high humidity can be a dangerous combination. Let’s all do our part to make sure our at-risk neighbors and relatives stay cool and safe.
As an ag journalist, my biggest interest is how crops and livestock will be affected.
Based on what I’m hearing, the best guess for now: It won’t be hot enough, long enough, to do too much damage. But there’s concern about the humidity and additional preciptation on already-soggy fields. More rain also wouldl further hamper farmers who are behind on spraying their crops.
Generalizing about Upper Midwest weather is always risky. But it’s fair to say the 2016 crop season is going well overall. Let’s hope the mini heat wave doesn’t change that.
To read more of Knutson's blog, click here .
