Drought category, outlook direction, and operating implications. Interpretive framing only - no fabricated point values.
IA . IL . IN . OH . MO
Adequate subsoil moisture entering planting window; topsoil variable.
Near-normal precipitation tilt per CPC guidance.
Planting progress likely on schedule absent late-April cold snap.
KS . OK . TX . NE
Dryness persisting in HRW wheat belt; subsoil deficits widening.
Below-normal precipitation tilt.
HRW yield risk rising; stocker grass concerns emerging.
AR . MS . LA . TN
Wet pattern delaying early fieldwork in select counties.
Above-normal precipitation tilt.
Planting timing watchpoint for cotton and rice.
ND . SD . MT
Snowpack melt supportive; localized flooding risk.
Near-normal temperature / precipitation.
Spring wheat seeding outlook constructive.
CO . WY . NM . AZ
Snowpack below normal in select basins.
Below-normal precipitation tilt.
Irrigation allocations a concern in specialty crop districts.