The week of February 15-21 was unusually warm, with statewide temperatures averaging 5.1 degrees F warmer than normal. The western regions had the highest maximum temperatures, with readings in several locations reaching 90 degrees F and above. Those high temperatures, coupled with very low humidity, produced an increased drying stress on the crop.
In the eastern areas of the state, the departures from normal were not as great. High temperatures reached the 70s. However, the unusually warm minimum temperatures for the day featured more prominently in the overall warmth. Where the average minimum temperatures were above freezing, the wheat is more likely to break dormancy. Wheat in these regions may be more at risk for freeze damage when cold temperatures return.
Mary Knapp, Weather Data Library, K-State Agronomy
mknapp@ksu.edu
Christopher Redmond, Weather Data Library, K-State Agronomy
christopherredmond@ksu.edu
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