5/22/25 - Cool and wet now, stay tuned for warmer and drier

Weather History:
In 1873, a deadly tornado tore through southeastern Iowa, affecting Keokuk, Washington, and Louisa counties before moving into Illinois. The storm produced very large hail (up to 4.5 inches in diameter), killed 8 people, and injured at least a dozen others. This event prompted the first detailed tornado damage survey in Iowa, conducted by the U.S. Army Signal Corps.

7-Day Weather Forecast:
Temperatures are expected to remain cool for the next week. Rain chances increase as the weekend approaches, with the best chance for precipitation Sunday night into Monday. The following week will be less active

Climate Forecast:

• 6–10 Day Outlook (May 27–31): Cooler temperatures expected in the south, near normal in the north, and likely below-average rainfall statewide.

• 8–14 Day Outlook (May 29–June 4): The drier signal is enhanced, and temperatures are expected to be warmer than normal.

• 3–4 Week Outlook (mid-June): The outlook leans warm and wetter, suggesting a shift to a more active weather pattern as summer approaches.

Past Week of Weather:
The past week was notably cooler and wetter than usual, with 3–4 inches of rain along the I-35 corridor and surrounding counties. Des Moines International Airport recorded 4.84 inches, the highest in the state. Temperatures were about 5°F below normal. Overnight lows dipped into the 40s, which is chilly for late May

Other Weather/Climate Discussion Topics:

• Wind and Hail: Northern Iowa experienced strong sustained winds (37–39 mph) and gusts up to 52 mph. Hail up to 2 inches was reported in Grand River (Decatur County) and Osceola.

• Wind Damage: Growers in northern Iowa reported significant losses of plastic mulch beds due to high winds. Wind erosion was also noted in sandy soils in southeastern Iowa.

• Weather Impacts on Crops: High winds caused physical damage to plants (broken leaf petioles, windblown soil particles), and some farms reported unusual leaf spotting, possibly from wind or chemical drift. Drift investigations are ongoing in affected areas.

• Precipitation and Irrigation: The recent rains improved abnormally dry conditions, but growers are reminded to water in new transplants as their roots are not yet established. Weeds are expected to germinate rapidly, so timely cultivation is encouraged.

Specialty Crops Impacts:

• Wind Damage: Growers lost plastic mulch beds and experienced wind erosion, especially in northern and southeastern Iowa.

• Leaf Spotting: Multiple crops (potatoes, radishes, tomatoes, cabbage, Swiss chard, cucumbers) showed inter-veinal necrosis, likely due to wind or desiccation, not herbicide drift.

• Weed Management: Recent rains will trigger weed germination, so growers are advised to cultivate early at the white thread stage.

• Cold Weather Effects: Cool temperatures can increase cat-facing in tomatoes and blossom end rot in susceptible crops. Growers are reminded to monitor for these issues if crops are flowering.

• Irrigation: Irrigation is less necessary after recent rains, but new plantings still require watering.

• Flower Crops: Rain can damage open blooms, but many flowers are harvested in the bud stage. Peony growers are drying blooms before cold storage to prevent moisture issues.

Listener Engagement:
Listeners should share their experiences and the impact of the podcast on their growing decisions, especially if they can quantify the financial benefit of advice received

 

Summary provided by perplexity.ai