The Ag-Climate Update is a joint effort between our climate and extension specialists. Every month the update includes a brief summary of that month, agronomic impacts, relevant maps and graphs, 1-month temperature and precipitation outlooks, monthly extremes, and notable highlights.
September 2019 – Warm and mostly dry to end the summer
Temperatures were the big story for September. State-wide average temperature for the month was roughly 75 oF, 6.8 oF warmer than normal. This ranks as the 2nd warmest September on record. Temperature swings were great, ranging from 40 oF at Marysville on the 14th to 103 oF at Atwood, Rawlins County; Colby 1S, Lakin, Richfield, and Tribune 1W, on the 3rd and 4th. State-wide average precipitation for the month was 2.2 inches (57 mm), a slightly dry month at 79 % of normal rainfall. Eastern Kansas was slightly wetter than normal.
Despite the warmer temperatures, corn, soybeans and sorghum remain behind normal progress. Growing degree days (GDD) accumulation in September is typically low. As of October 6, 84% of corn was mature and only 34% had been harvested.
Colder temperatures to start October will not provide many additional GDDs.
Root zone soil moisture conditions remain wet, especially in the eastern parts of the state. In the southwest parts of the state additional moisture is needed for good winter wheat establishment.
View the entire September 2019 Ag-Climate Summary, including the accompanying maps and graphics, at http://climate.k-state.edu/ag/updates/.
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