Volume 110, No. 1 www.usda.

gov/oce/weather-drought-monitor January 4, 2023

WEEKLY WEATHER
AND CROP BULLETIN
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Agricultural Statistics Service
National Weather Service and World Agricultural Outlook Board

HIGHLIGHTS
December 25 – 31, 2022
Highlights provided by USDA/WAOB
Contents

A pair of late-December storm systems moved ashore in

the West, delivering heavy precipitation in the Pacific
Coast States and significant snow from the Cascades and
Extreme Maximum & Minimum Temperature Maps ........ 2
Temperature Departure Map ........................................... 3
December 27 Drought Monitor &
Sierra Nevada to the western slopes of the Rockies.
U.S. Monthly Drought Outlook ................................... 4
Weekly precipitation totals in the Sierra Nevada and National Weather Data for Selected Cities ...................... 5
adjacent foothills locally totaled 4 to 12 inches or more, December State Agricultural Summaries .................... 8
with an average of more than 5 inches of liquid International Weather and Crop Summary &
equivalency being added to the Sierra Nevada snowpack December Temperature/Precipitation Table ........... 14
during the final week of December. Farther east, mostly Bulletin Information & Snow Cover Map ........................ 24
dry weather prevailed across the nation’s mid-section,
(Continued on page 3)
2 Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin January 4, 2023
January 4, 2023 Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin 3

(Continued from front cover)

although light snow and blowing snow
continued to cause rural travel disruptions
across parts of the northern Plains and upper
Midwest. Meanwhile, variable rainfall
occurred along and east of a line from eastern
Texas to southeastern Michigan. Some of
the heaviest rain, locally 2 to 4 inches or more,
fell in the central Gulf Coast region and parts
of the mid-South. Throughout the central
and eastern U.S., sudden warming in the wake
of the previous week’s brutal cold snap boosted
temperatures to near- or above-normal levels,
except in the southern Atlantic region.
Meanwhile, Western warmth was gradually
replaced by slightly cooler, increasingly
stormy weather. Following the frigid
conditions of December 18-24, when
temperatures averaged more than 30°F below
normal across portions of the northern Plains,
weekly readings averaged more than 10°F
above normal in much of western Montana
and environs. Any lingering cold weather was
largely confined to the Southeast, where
weekly temperatures averaged more than 5°F
below normal in portions of the southern
Atlantic States. The cold wave, which
generally peaked from December 22-24, had
threatened a variety of crops, including winter wheat across the central and of 7.21 inches on the 30th was a record for the date. Downtown San
southern Plains; citrus in southern Texas and central Florida; and Francisco, CA, endured its second-wettest day on record (5.46 inches on
sugarcane in Louisiana. December 31), behind only 5.54 inches on November 5, 1994. San
Francisco’s wettest calendar day in December had been December 19,
It was the warmest Christmas Day on record in parts of the West, with 1866, with 4.28 inches. Elsewhere in the San Francisco Bay area, the
highs in California soaring to 85°F in Ramona and Woodland Hills. Oakland Museum recorded its wettest day in the last 5 decades, with the
Eugene, OR, also posted a daily-record high (63°F) for December 25, 4.75-inch total on December 31 edging the standard of 4.74 inches,
breaking by 1°F a record originally set in 1913. Southern California’s originally set on January 4, 1982. Farther inland, Reno, NV, was
warmth continued through December 26, when daily-record highs reached hammered by 2.26 inches of precipitation (and 9.0 inches of snow) on
85°F in Escondido, 84°F in Anaheim, and 82°F in San Diego. In contrast, December 31. The only other days in Reno’s history featuring more than
Christmas Day high temperatures remained below the 50-degree mark— 2 inches of precipitation were December 23, 1955, with 2.02 inches;
lowest on record for the date—in Florida locations such as St. Petersburg January 21, 1943, with 2.29 inches; and January 28, 1903, with 2.71 inches.
(44°F), Vero Beach (47°F), and Fort Lauderdale (49°F); previous records In Utah, Alta received December snowfall totaling 135.9 inches (170
had been set on December 25, 1989. By December 27, record-setting percent of normal), boosted by a 24-hour total of 23.0 inches on December
warmth arrived on the High Plains, where temperatures rose to 72°F in 27-28. As precipitation exited the West on December 28-29, a narrow band
Borger, TX, and 68°F in Burlington, CO. Wichita Falls, TX, collected of snow crossing the central Plains delivered 7.1 inches to Denver, CO.
a daily-record high (75°F) on December 28. During the final 3 days of Farther east, December 29-30 rainfall topped the 2-inch mark in locations
2022, an impressive surge of warmth covered much of the central and such as Shreveport, LA (2.78 inches), and Longview, TX (2.19 inches).
eastern U.S. The parade of daily-record highs began on December 29 with At week’s end, locally heavy Eastern showers resulted in record-setting
a high of 73°F in Columbia, MO—exactly 80 degrees higher than the precipitation totals for December 31 in Elizabeth City, NC (1.36 inches),
minimum reading of -7°F just 6 days earlier, on December 23. Elsewhere and Atlantic City, NJ (1.02 inches).
on the 29th, daily-record highs surged to 70°F in locations such as
Springfield, IL, and Chanute, KS. Warmth shifted into the East by Dry weather and near-normal temperatures covered much of mainland
December 30, when daily-record highs climbed to 71°F in Clarksburg, Alaska in late December, following the previous week’s harsh cold snap.
WV; and 63°F in Boston, MA. In Maine, Augusta closed the month (and Anchorage ended the month with 41.2 inches of snow (226 percent of
year) with consecutive daily-record highs of 51 and 50°F, respectively, on normal)—second-snowiest December behind only 41.6 inches in 1955—
December 30-31. New Year’s Eve featured the return of record-setting although only 0.1 inch of that total occurred during the second half of
warmth in the Deep South; daily-record highs for the 31st included 87°F December. Precipitation continued, however, across the southern tier of
in Vero Beach, FL, and 83°F in Del Rio, TX. Alaska, where Kodiak netted 3.79 inches from December 25-31. In the
Aleutians, Ketchikan reported its wettest Christmas Day on record, with
An historic Great Lake-effect snow event lingered as the week began. In 3.48 inches falling on the 25th. Farther south, dry weather dominated
Buffalo, NY, 51.9 inches of snow fell from December 23-27, although only Hawaii in late December, following the previous week’s major storm
11.7 inches fell from Christmas Day onward. Similarly, Sault Sainte system. On the Big Island, no measurable rain fell in Hilo during the last
Marie, MI, received 49.3 inches from December 22-28, aided by a daily- 12 days of the month, leaving the final December total at 7.48 inches (62
record snowfall of 10.9 inches on Christmas Day. By December 26, percent of normal). At the state’s other major airport observation sites,
significant storminess returned to the Pacific Coast, where record-setting monthly rainfall ranged from 2.24 inches (103 percent of normal) in
rainfall totals included 2.50 inches in Hillsboro, OR, and 1.91 inches in Honolulu, Oahu, to 4.93 inches (106 percent) in Lihue, Kauai, although
Eureka, CA. During the last 6 days of December, Blue Canyon, CA, negligible precipitation fell from December 20-31. In addition to the dry
received precipitation totaling 16.28 inches, with more than 90 percent of weather, Lihue posted daily-record highs of 85 and 83°F, respectively, on
that amount occurring on December 27, 30, and 31. Blue Canyon’s rainfall December 25 and 27.
4 Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin January 4, 2023
January 4, 2023 Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin 5
National Weather Data for Selected Cities
Weather Data for the Week Ending December 31, 2022
Data Provided by Climate Prediction Center
RELATIVE NUMBER OF DAYS
TEMPERATURE ˚F PRECIPITATION HUMIDITY
TEMP. ˚F PRECIP
PERCENT
STATES
AND

FROM NORMAL

FROM NORMAL

32 AND BELOW
90 AND ABOVE
PCT. NORMAL

PCT. NORMAL
GREATEST IN

SINCE DEC 1
SINCE DEC 1
24-HOUR, IN.
DEPARTURE

DEPARTURE

SINCE JAN 1

SINCE JAN 1
TOTAL, IN.,

TOTAL, IN.,
TOTAL, IN.

MAXIMUM
MAXIMUM

AVERAGE

AVERAGE
AVERAGE

AVERAGE

EXTREME

EXTREME

AVERAGE

OR MORE

OR MORE
MINIMUM
MINIMUM

WEEKLY

.01 INCH

.50 INCH
HIGH

LOW
STATIONS

AK ANCHORAGE 28 19 30 5 24 6 0.06 -0.17 0.06 3.90 337 28.14 171 86 66 0 7 1 0

BARROW -3 -9 2 -18 -6 0 0.04 0.01 0.04 0.62 275 9.60 178 83 74 0 7 1 0
FAIRBANKS 1 -11 5 -25 -5 2 0.02 -0.11 0.02 1.17 205 8.52 73 77 64 0 7 1 0
JUNEAU 35 29 38 19 32 3 0.80 -0.51 0.29 3.15 48 85.92 128 98 86 0 7 6 0
KODIAK 40 32 41 23 36 5 3.70 1.65 1.44 6.27 71 79.00 100 96 79 0 3 6 4
NOME 12 2 22 -8 7 0 0.00 -0.22 0.00 1.63 155 21.17 122 77 62 0 7 0 0
AL BIRMINGHAM 57 36 71 16 47 1 0.12 -1.00 0.12 4.25 87 52.63 93 79 40 0 4 1 0
HUNTSVILLE 54 33 68 17 43 0 0.22 -1.00 0.14 6.10 103 54.06 99 88 47 0 4 3 0
MOBILE 64 40 75 23 52 0 2.14 0.76 2.13 4.76 87 59.02 88 88 44 0 3 2 1
MONTGOMERY 62 32 77 18 47 -2 0.68 -0.51 0.64 3.56 71 52.16 102 85 39 0 4 2 1
AR FORT SMITH 58 32 75 16 45 5 0.00 -0.74 0.00 3.93 112 50.29 106 81 39 0 4 0 0
LITTLE ROCK 61 37 74 22 49 8 0.98 -0.08 0.56 6.16 121 46.01 91 83 46 0 4 2 1
AZ FLAGSTAFF 44 29 54 23 36 7 1.16 0.69 0.91 2.31 121 17.21 83 91 62 0 6 4 1
PHOENIX 67 49 74 46 58 3 0.68 0.50 0.58 2.01 272 5.64 78 80 40 0 0 2 1
PRESCOTT 54 34 66 29 44 6 0.36 0.11 0.31 0.89 90 11.43 89 92 48 0 3 3 0
TUCSON 71 43 79 36 57 5 0.08 -0.13 0.08 1.24 129 6.05 57 71 28 0 0 1 0
CA BAKERSFIELD 57 44 66 33 51 2 1.18 0.89 0.81 1.61 145 4.12 64 96 66 0 0 4 1
EUREKA 57 49 60 43 53 6 4.23 2.47 1.61 9.04 111 29.35 72 95 85 0 0 7 3
FRESNO 54 46 60 38 50 3 1.97 1.49 1.16 4.51 252 6.31 57 100 84 0 0 5 1
LOS ANGELES 66 55 81 52 60 3 1.22 0.56 0.69 2.45 109 6.02 49 89 59 0 0 4 1
REDDING 53 44 59 41 48 2 5.25 3.85 1.93 8.19 129 16.43 49 97 73 0 0 4 4
SACRAMENTO 54 44 60 36 49 3 4.15 3.32 2.16 7.79 226 11.20 61 99 82 0 0 5 3
SAN DIEGO 68 54 81 48 61 3 0.61 0.16 0.59 1.55 92 5.81 59 88 54 0 0 3 1
SAN FRANCISCO 59 50 63 45 55 4 6.19 5.23 3.81 9.59 231 13.27 67 97 79 0 0 5 2
STOCKTON 54 45 60 37 49 2 5.32 4.75 3.01 8.53 353 11.41 84 98 80 0 0 5 2
CO ALAMOSA 46 8 53 4 27 11 0.00 -0.07 0.00 0.02 5 10.85 146 84 34 0 7 0 0
CO SPRINGS 50 23 63 14 36 5 0.35 0.30 0.27 0.50 220 11.40 71 75 38 0 6 2 0
DENVER INTL 46 24 62 14 35 5 0.67 0.59 0.55 1.15 325 11.46 79 84 42 0 6 2 1
GRAND JUNCTION 37 23 43 16 30 4 0.92 0.79 0.65 1.25 210 9.21 101 95 73 0 7 5 1
PUEBLO 56 19 69 12 37 6 0.01 -0.05 0.01 0.13 45 9.33 77 86 30 0 6 1 0
CT BRIDGEPORT 42 26 55 14 34 0 0.41 -0.41 0.41 4.07 102 35.11 79 78 55 0 6 1 0
HARTFORD 44 23 64 12 34 4 0.34 -0.52 0.34 4.44 108 46.89 99 79 44 0 6 1 0
DC WASHINGTON 48 28 65 14 38 -1 0.11 -0.58 0.11 3.76 110 40.23 96 85 46 0 6 1 0
DE WILMINGTON 47 25 62 14 36 0 0.33 -0.44 0.33 5.19 134 41.10 90 81 45 0 6 1 0
FL DAYTONA BEACH 67 43 77 27 55 -5 0.00 -0.54 0.00 1.11 47 44.65 87 88 51 0 1 0 0
JACKSONVILLE 64 34 77 20 49 -6 0.00 -0.60 0.00 0.21 7 47.42 88 94 43 0 4 0 0
KEY WEST 70 62 80 54 66 -6 0.35 -0.10 0.31 4.04 187 38.33 94 98 76 0 0 2 0
MIAMI 72 60 83 45 66 -4 0.55 0.09 0.40 1.72 70 70.07 103 92 60 0 0 3 0
ORLANDO 69 46 82 30 57 -4 0.00 -0.52 0.00 0.93 37 60.86 118 85 46 0 1 0 0
PENSACOLA 62 43 74 26 53 -1 2.28 1.05 2.24 5.46 101 61.65 90 84 48 0 2 2 1
TALLAHASSEE 65 33 77 18 49 -4 0.51 -0.48 0.51 2.06 48 53.94 91 91 34 0 4 1 1
TAMPA 68 49 81 31 58 -5 0.29 -0.30 0.29 2.39 93 55.71 112 80 46 0 1 1 0
WEST PALM BEACH 71 58 84 41 65 -3 0.46 -0.29 0.24 3.46 99 50.63 82 87 58 0 0 3 0
GA ATHENS 55 31 65 17 42 -2 0.12 -0.97 0.09 4.72 106 44.41 90 82 43 0 4 2 0
ATLANTA 55 35 67 18 45 -1 0.12 -0.99 0.08 3.41 74 46.33 91 81 41 0 4 3 0
AUGUSTA 57 27 68 12 42 -6 0.01 -0.94 0.01 3.74 96 45.85 107 93 43 0 5 1 0
COLUMBUS 59 34 75 19 47 -2 0.21 -0.91 0.11 1.56 32 46.04 94 84 38 0 4 2 0
MACON 61 31 76 16 46 -2 0.06 -1.04 0.05 1.99 43 45.72 97 88 35 0 4 2 0
SAVANNAH 61 34 73 21 47 -4 0.01 -0.71 0.01 1.72 53 35.86 74 84 37 0 4 1 0
HI HILO 82 66 83 63 74 2 0.00 -2.28 0.00 7.48 61 92.25 76 89 61 0 0 0 0
HONOLULU 81 67 83 64 74 -1 0.00 -0.54 0.00 2.22 102 12.65 77 95 63 0 0 0 0
KAHULUI 82 64 84 61 73 0 0.00 -0.66 0.00 3.80 135 6.54 40 89 54 0 0 0 0
LIHUE 82 68 85 65 75 2 0.02 -0.94 0.02 4.84 104 27.98 77 87 60 0 0 1 0
IA BURLINGTON 38 17 66 -3 28 1 0.01 -0.34 0.01 0.81 43 25.25 66 89 62 0 6 1 0
CEDAR RAPIDS 33 11 60 -9 22 0 0.02 -0.27 0.01 0.31 19 22.69 63 92 68 0 6 2 0
DES MOINES 37 16 60 -2 27 2 0.08 -0.22 0.06 1.92 121 29.60 81 88 57 0 6 2 0
DUBUQUE 32 12 57 -7 22 1 0.17 -0.16 0.09 2.21 122 29.31 76 90 71 0 6 3 0
SIOUX CITY 34 13 43 -7 24 3 0.10 -0.11 0.08 1.66 168 14.66 50 87 69 0 7 2 0
WATERLOO 29 11 46 -11 20 -2 0.29 0.00 0.15 1.65 114 33.72 92 86 68 0 7 3 0
ID BOISE 42 32 56 26 37 6 0.54 0.19 0.34 1.84 119 10.28 89 88 60 0 5 4 0
LEWISTON 48 35 54 29 42 8 0.28 0.02 0.10 1.18 104 15.46 120 86 57 0 2 5 0
POCATELLO 39 27 47 24 33 9 0.77 0.52 0.44 1.59 140 12.29 104 86 64 0 7 3 0
IL CHICAGO/O_HARE 37 21 59 2 29 1 0.01 -0.43 0.01 2.14 101 30.43 80 81 60 0 6 1 0
MOLINE 39 16 67 -5 28 2 0.09 -0.32 0.06 1.67 81 30.92 80 82 59 0 6 3 0
PEORIA 40 19 65 3 29 2 0.04 -0.46 0.04 2.65 119 26.38 70 92 64 0 6 1 0
ROCKFORD 36 14 61 -1 25 1 0.00 -0.38 0.00 2.54 131 39.16 105 89 67 0 6 0 0
SPRINGFIELD 42 21 64 4 31 1 0.02 -0.47 0.01 2.08 97 33.62 88 86 62 0 6 2 0
IN EVANSVILLE 43 30 60 9 37 1 0.67 -0.16 0.45 3.54 93 44.57 93 91 65 0 4 4 0
FORT WAYNE 37 26 55 5 31 3 1.33 0.75 1.11 2.19 88 32.52 82 88 71 0 4 2 1
INDIANAPOLIS 40 28 58 4 34 3 1.11 0.39 0.97 2.59 88 33.98 77 89 65 0 4 2 1
SOUTH BEND 37 24 57 4 30 4 0.15 -0.43 0.15 3.14 130 34.77 88 87 66 0 4 1 0
KS CONCORDIA 46 22 53 4 34 5 0.00 -0.20 0.00 0.65 62 20.79 73 79 50 0 6 0 0
DODGE CITY 54 23 63 7 38 6 0.00 -0.22 0.00 0.08 8 11.27 51 80 33 0 6 0 0
TOPEKA 49 21 66 3 35 4 0.01 -0.26 0.01 0.96 64 30.93 84 82 45 0 5 1 0

Based on 1991-2020 normals *** Not Available

6 Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin January 4, 2023
Weather Data for the Week Ending December 31, 2022
RELATIVE NUMBER OF DAYS
TEMPERATURE ˚F PRECIPITATION HUMIDITY
TEMP. ˚F PRECIP
PERCENT
STATES
AND

FROM NORMAL

FROM NORMAL

32 AND BELOW
90 AND ABOVE
PCT. NORMAL

PCT. NORMAL
GREATEST IN

SINCE DEC 1
SINCE DEC 1
24-HOUR, IN.
DEPARTURE

DEPARTURE

SINCE JAN 1

SINCE JAN 1
TOTAL, IN.,

TOTAL, IN.,
TOTAL, IN.

MAXIMUM
MAXIMUM

AVERAGE

AVERAGE
AVERAGE

AVERAGE

EXTREME

EXTREME

AVERAGE

OR MORE

OR MORE
MINIMUM
MINIMUM

WEEKLY

.01 INCH

.50 INCH
HIGH

LOW
STATIONS

WICHITA 50 23 59 10 37 3 0.04 -0.20 0.04 0.78 64 29.33 85 85 47 0 5 1 0

KY LEXINGTON 47 30 69 9 39 3 0.21 -0.67 0.19 3.38 80 43.22 86 77 53 0 4 2 0
LOUISVILLE 47 32 68 12 39 2 0.39 -0.51 0.31 3.25 78 39.65 82 86 56 0 4 4 0
PADUCAH 46 31 61 3 38 1 0.47 -0.48 0.34 4.45 103 42.20 83 90 63 0 4 4 0
LA BATON ROUGE 66 41 80 22 53 1 2.26 0.87 2.20 7.26 136 51.31 82 91 45 0 3 3 1
LAKE CHARLES 64 41 77 22 53 -1 1.91 0.70 1.91 9.23 202 42.93 71 96 53 0 3 1 1
NEW ORLEANS 65 46 77 30 55 1 3.02 1.74 3.00 8.02 166 55.67 87 89 48 0 2 2 1
SHREVEPORT 62 38 79 21 50 2 0.00 -1.09 0.00 0.00 0 37.74 73 83 46 0 4 0 0
MA BOSTON 44 29 63 14 37 4 0.37 -0.52 0.37 3.69 85 29.89 68 74 45 0 5 1 0
WORCESTER 42 26 62 9 34 7 0.37 -0.51 0.37 6.09 142 48.01 99 72 46 0 4 1 0
MD BALTIMORE 49 23 66 10 36 0 0.31 -0.45 0.31 4.78 128 46.50 103 86 43 0 6 1 0
ME CARIBOU 29 17 46 0 23 7 0.50 -0.26 0.23 4.51 125 43.50 106 86 71 0 6 5 0
PORTLAND 38 21 51 12 29 2 0.05 -0.90 0.05 3.95 87 54.60 113 83 54 0 7 1 0
MI ALPENA 36 26 56 16 31 8 0.00 -0.41 0.00 1.46 77 28.84 97 87 65 0 4 0 0
GRAND RAPIDS 37 26 54 14 31 4 0.06 -0.49 0.03 1.45 58 34.09 86 87 69 0 5 3 0
HOUGHTON LAKE 33 23 51 11 28 6 0.00 -0.36 0.00 1.31 74 25.31 90 89 72 0 5 0 0
LANSING 38 26 56 13 32 5 0.11 -0.32 0.07 0.98 51 32.55 97 84 65 0 5 3 0
MUSKEGON 40 29 57 17 34 5 0.04 -0.47 0.02 1.18 48 31.83 90 83 67 0 5 3 0
TRAVERSE CITY 38 27 56 16 32 6 0.03 -0.33 0.02 0.66 36 29.15 100 82 65 0 4 2 0
MN DULUTH 22 9 35 -9 16 2 0.11 -0.19 0.06 3.21 218 32.83 105 85 71 0 7 3 0
INT_L FALLS 25 2 30 -7 13 6 0.04 -0.18 0.04 0.30 30 35.28 139 98 91 0 3 1 0
MINNEAPOLIS 26 11 38 -4 19 1 0.02 -0.22 0.02 1.77 151 23.86 75 83 64 0 7 1 0
ROCHESTER 25 10 39 -6 17 0 0.08 -0.16 0.04 1.61 125 34.78 100 87 73 0 7 2 0
ST. CLOUD 25 10 36 -7 17 3 0.09 -0.09 0.09 1.89 216 25.07 88 86 68 0 7 1 0
MO COLUMBIA 48 24 73 4 36 4 0.00 -0.48 0.00 1.21 57 32.96 79 82 46 0 6 0 0
KANSAS CITY 49 22 68 0 36 6 0.00 -0.30 0.00 1.18 75 33.65 85 76 44 0 5 0 0
SAINT LOUIS 47 27 66 8 37 3 0.36 -0.25 0.31 1.95 78 48.35 115 81 53 0 4 3 0
SPRINGFIELD 50 26 70 5 38 3 0.02 -0.59 0.02 2.22 84 41.22 92 83 48 0 4 1 0
MS JACKSON 61 37 73 19 49 1 1.24 0.05 1.18 5.62 109 59.78 104 87 47 0 4 3 1
MERIDIAN 60 36 74 17 48 0 0.57 -0.66 0.57 4.00 75 52.00 92 95 45 0 4 1 1
TUPELO 55 36 69 21 46 1 0.45 -0.74 0.38 7.16 120 50.68 87 82 49 0 4 3 0
MT BILLINGS 44 31 53 23 38 12 0.00 -0.14 0.00 0.61 107 14.90 104 79 45 0 4 0 0
BUTTE 39 22 49 13 31 12 0.08 -0.03 0.07 0.48 100 9.56 74 84 50 0 7 2 0
CUT BANK 42 29 49 21 35 14 0.00 -0.08 0.00 0.00 0 7.59 70 80 57 0 5 0 0
GLASGOW 32 12 42 5 22 7 0.01 -0.09 0.01 0.88 215 9.47 70 85 70 0 7 1 0
GREAT FALLS 45 30 54 25 38 13 0.00 -0.13 0.00 0.91 172 14.43 97 77 51 0 5 0 0
HAVRE 35 12 42 -3 23 5 0.42 0.31 0.35 1.47 365 10.32 87 92 73 0 6 4 0
MISSOULA 40 28 47 21 34 11 0.35 0.10 0.17 1.26 117 10.44 74 92 68 0 6 5 0
NC ASHEVILLE 47 23 62 12 35 -4 0.17 -0.78 0.12 3.56 85 47.48 95 88 48 0 6 2 0
CHARLOTTE 52 27 64 13 40 -3 0.36 -0.49 0.36 4.54 127 42.44 97 87 33 0 5 1 0
GREENSBORO 51 26 66 13 38 -2 0.34 -0.37 0.34 3.75 118 46.46 105 85 43 0 5 1 0
HATTERAS 53 37 68 28 45 -5 0.31 -0.70 0.17 3.28 69 42.39 69 90 55 0 4 2 0
RALEIGH 56 29 72 15 42 0 0.35 -0.44 0.35 3.64 107 44.41 96 80 37 0 5 1 0
WILMINGTON 61 31 75 20 46 -2 0.22 -0.63 0.22 2.17 58 40.05 66 92 38 0 5 1 0
ND BISMARCK 24 4 36 -14 14 -1 0.37 0.23 0.36 2.09 347 27.54 144 87 71 0 7 2 0
DICKINSON 35 11 43 -8 23 6 0.00 -0.05 0.00 0.14 76 14.00 89 92 72 0 6 0 0
FARGO 18 2 31 -20 10 -2 0.30 0.08 0.30 1.97 220 20.49 85 94 80 0 7 1 0
GRAND FORKS 17 2 27 -21 10 1 0.04 -0.11 0.04 1.31 199 22.29 102 87 74 0 7 1 0
JAMESTOWN 19 1 28 -20 10 -2 0.05 -0.03 0.05 0.43 124 15.26 76 89 73 0 7 1 0
NE GRAND ISLAND 44 17 59 -4 31 4 0.19 0.02 0.19 0.44 51 12.05 45 83 58 0 7 1 0
LINCOLN 43 16 51 -6 29 3 0.01 -0.23 0.01 0.63 53 18.91 64 84 56 0 7 1 0
NORFOLK 39 16 49 -8 27 4 0.32 0.16 0.31 0.68 80 13.00 48 83 61 0 7 2 0
NORTH PLATTE 44 17 54 4 30 5 0.66 0.54 0.66 1.34 295 13.79 65 89 60 0 7 1 1
OMAHA 39 17 49 -4 28 2 0.01 -0.23 0.01 1.04 84 21.61 67 85 63 0 7 1 0
SCOTTSBLUFF 49 23 59 11 36 9 0.02 -0.10 0.02 0.65 125 8.98 57 80 41 0 6 1 0
VALENTINE 40 18 47 -2 29 5 0.02 -0.06 0.02 2.22 518 12.15 58 89 62 0 6 1 0
NH CONCORD 39 17 56 8 28 3 0.05 -0.73 0.05 4.01 108 38.14 90 87 46 0 7 1 0
NJ ATLANTIC_CITY 47 24 64 11 36 -1 1.01 0.12 1.01 5.51 123 54.40 118 87 48 0 6 1 1
NEWARK 45 29 62 14 37 2 0.25 -0.62 0.25 4.48 108 38.33 82 72 43 0 5 1 0
NM ALBUQUERQUE 51 31 56 26 41 5 0.07 -0.04 0.05 0.63 117 8.77 99 81 40 0 6 2 0
NV ELY 41 21 49 4 31 6 0.81 0.65 0.34 1.50 224 8.07 85 94 61 0 6 4 0
LAS VEGAS 61 45 68 41 53 5 0.00 -0.13 0.00 0.07 15 1.80 43 68 29 0 0 0 0
RENO 53 33 59 29 43 8 3.35 3.06 2.22 5.07 460 8.13 110 88 47 0 3 4 2
WINNEMUCCA 46 31 53 24 38 8 1.39 1.21 1.13 2.41 323 5.91 74 88 61 0 2 4 1
NY ALBANY 41 26 57 11 34 7 0.07 -0.61 0.07 3.77 115 44.83 110 75 47 0 5 1 0
BINGHAMTON 36 24 54 4 30 5 0.10 -0.56 0.10 3.74 121 43.28 102 83 61 0 5 1 0
BUFFALO 38 28 55 14 33 5 6.57 5.72 4.01 9.78 260 44.64 109 88 62 0 4 5 2
ROCHESTER 40 28 62 12 34 5 12.35 11.76 4.95 14.27 533 40.29 114 82 60 0 4 4 3
SYRACUSE 43 27 63 14 35 8 0.12 -0.62 0.10 3.16 96 35.62 89 75 51 0 5 2 0
OH AKRON-CANTON 41 28 65 6 34 4 0.32 -0.34 0.29 1.87 64 37.31 89 78 56 0 4 3 0
CINCINNATI 43 27 65 5 35 2 0.38 -0.47 0.31 2.65 71 44.90 99 91 63 0 4 3 0
CLEVELAND 41 29 63 9 35 3 0.50 -0.19 0.46 1.21 40 38.95 94 76 57 0 4 2 0
COLUMBUS 42 27 65 7 34 3 0.46 -0.29 0.43 2.00 63 42.29 101 85 60 0 4 2 0
DAYTON 42 28 63 5 35 4 0.51 -0.23 0.34 1.48 48 35.72 86 83 62 0 4 2 0
MANSFIELD 40 27 62 7 33 5 0.28 -0.43 0.28 1.34 44 42.09 99 85 63 0 4 1 0

Based on 1991-2020 normals *** Not Available

January 4, 2023 Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin 7
Weather Data for the Week Ending December 31, 2022
RELATIVE NUMBER OF DAYS
TEMPERATURE ˚F PRECIPITATION HUMIDITY
TEMP. ˚F PRECIP
PERCENT
STATES
AND

FROM NORMAL

FROM NORMAL

32 AND BELOW
90 AND ABOVE
PCT. NORMAL

PCT. NORMAL
GREATEST IN

SINCE DEC 1
SINCE DEC 1
24-HOUR, IN.
DEPARTURE

DEPARTURE

SINCE JAN 1

SINCE JAN 1
TOTAL, IN.,

TOTAL, IN.,
TOTAL, IN.

MAXIMUM
MAXIMUM

AVERAGE

AVERAGE
AVERAGE

AVERAGE

EXTREME

EXTREME

AVERAGE

OR MORE

OR MORE
MINIMUM
MINIMUM

WEEKLY

.01 INCH

.50 INCH
HIGH

LOW
STATIONS

TOLEDO 40 28 57 6 34 4 0.01 -0.56 0.01 0.90 36 38.85 111 84 64 0 4 1 0

YOUNGSTOWN 40 28 63 6 34 5 0.21 -0.53 0.20 1.57 49 42.38 102 80 57 0 4 2 0
OK OKLAHOMA CITY 57 28 69 14 42 4 0.00 -0.36 0.00 2.02 112 24.03 66 79 34 0 4 0 0
TULSA 56 27 70 14 41 3 0.06 -0.43 0.06 2.55 104 33.50 81 86 40 0 4 1 0
OR ASTORIA 55 44 61 38 49 6 6.33 3.89 2.28 11.55 108 70.30 100 97 78 0 0 7 4
BURNS 39 23 43 10 31 6 1.09 0.75 0.84 2.37 156 7.88 75 92 72 0 5 4 1
EUGENE 55 44 62 39 49 9 3.10 1.60 1.31 5.00 69 30.89 75 96 80 0 0 6 3
MEDFORD 56 42 75 36 49 10 3.15 2.40 1.13 4.00 113 14.17 76 95 62 0 0 5 2
PENDLETON 49 34 58 23 41 8 0.43 0.08 0.22 1.48 98 15.62 121 84 52 0 2 5 0
PORTLAND 49 41 55 33 45 4 4.76 3.55 1.69 8.35 144 39.79 107 93 76 0 0 6 3
SALEM 54 44 60 40 49 8 3.52 2.04 1.56 5.60 80 39.57 98 96 80 0 0 7 3
PA ALLENTOWN 41 22 59 11 32 -1 0.34 -0.43 0.34 4.34 112 45.50 96 80 48 0 7 1 0
ERIE 41 28 64 12 35 4 0.34 -0.59 0.30 1.05 25 47.57 110 85 59 0 4 2 0
MIDDLETOWN 42 24 55 14 33 0 0.33 -0.36 0.33 4.35 127 40.82 92 83 52 0 5 1 0
PHILADELPHIA 44 26 58 17 35 -1 0.30 -0.49 0.30 4.81 121 39.45 89 83 49 0 6 1 0
PITTSBURGH 40 24 64 7 32 1 0.14 -0.50 0.12 1.66 58 37.28 94 84 55 0 5 2 0
WILKES-BARRE 41 25 58 10 33 3 0.03 -0.55 0.03 3.65 130 40.74 105 80 52 0 5 1 0
WILLIAMSPORT 40 23 56 13 31 1 0.07 -0.59 0.07 5.08 155 40.00 91 82 54 0 5 1 0
RI PROVIDENCE 44 25 62 12 34 2 0.49 -0.42 0.49 6.00 129 45.39 95 83 49 0 6 1 0
SC CHARLESTON 62 34 76 21 48 -2 0.16 -0.60 0.16 1.66 49 48.51 92 85 37 0 4 1 0
COLUMBIA 57 28 68 14 42 -4 0.11 -0.80 0.11 2.99 80 40.50 89 91 45 0 5 1 0
FLORENCE 58 28 76 14 43 -4 0.01 -0.83 0.01 2.71 78 37.31 82 89 37 0 5 1 0
GREENVILLE 51 27 65 13 39 -4 0.07 -0.98 0.07 4.44 97 53.70 108 82 40 0 5 1 0
SD ABERDEEN 22 2 30 -20 12 -2 0.20 0.05 0.20 1.44 234 19.20 88 94 76 0 7 1 0
HURON 28 10 38 -11 19 2 0.10 -0.04 0.10 1.74 263 16.43 70 89 72 0 7 1 0
RAPID CITY 46 17 59 2 32 8 0.00 -0.09 0.00 0.69 194 15.58 89 85 48 0 7 0 0
SIOUX FALLS 30 15 39 -8 22 3 0.33 0.16 0.21 1.62 194 23.33 83 80 65 0 6 2 0
TN BRISTOL 49 23 66 8 36 -1 0.48 -0.30 0.47 3.85 102 40.95 93 88 47 0 6 2 0
CHATTANOOGA 54 28 69 16 41 -1 0.04 -1.04 0.03 6.06 115 54.74 99 87 39 0 5 2 0
KNOXVILLE 49 26 68 12 38 -2 0.11 -0.91 0.10 5.48 109 51.71 99 90 48 0 6 2 0
MEMPHIS 52 37 64 21 45 2 0.79 -0.33 0.43 5.91 107 53.21 96 88 60 0 4 4 0
NASHVILLE 52 33 68 14 43 2 0.75 -0.13 0.39 4.40 99 50.89 100 85 44 0 4 4 0
TX ABILENE 64 36 76 23 50 4 0.01 -0.26 0.01 0.46 36 14.47 57 72 27 0 3 1 0
AMARILLO 61 31 69 19 46 8 0.00 -0.17 0.00 0.15 21 15.93 81 68 23 0 5 0 0
AUSTIN 68 40 78 24 54 2 0.00 -0.65 0.00 1.89 69 19.99 55 81 34 0 3 0 0
BEAUMONT 67 42 79 25 55 1 3.66 2.49 3.57 5.63 113 50.89 81 97 51 0 3 2 1
BROWNSVILLE 73 50 83 38 62 -1 0.00 -0.27 0.00 0.26 21 28.31 105 95 47 0 0 0 0
CORPUS CHRISTI 71 41 82 25 56 -2 0.00 -0.44 0.00 0.31 16 23.34 73 92 40 0 2 0 0
DEL RIO 69 36 83 23 53 1 0.00 -0.14 0.00 0.00 0 5.70 29 75 28 0 3 0 0
EL PASO 63 37 68 22 50 5 0.16 0.03 0.16 0.32 50 9.57 108 64 29 0 3 1 0
FORT WORTH 64 37 74 22 51 5 0.00 -0.65 0.00 2.37 83 39.11 105 74 35 0 3 0 0
GALVESTON 63 48 75 35 56 -1 1.46 0.61 0.93 3.17 74 35.54 75 91 64 0 0 2 2
HOUSTON 66 41 77 26 54 0 1.16 0.30 0.82 3.83 95 40.44 78 91 46 0 2 2 1
LUBBOCK 63 33 72 18 48 8 0.00 -0.17 0.00 0.41 55 13.76 75 65 22 0 4 0 0
MIDLAND 64 34 75 18 49 4 0.00 -0.13 0.00 0.08 14 8.87 65 70 26 0 3 0 0
SAN ANGELO 65 34 76 18 49 3 0.00 -0.20 0.00 1.02 114 13.53 64 80 28 0 3 0 0
SAN ANTONIO 68 37 77 22 53 1 0.00 -0.44 0.00 0.47 23 11.20 34 82 29 0 3 0 0
VICTORIA 70 38 81 20 54 -1 0.02 -0.54 0.02 1.43 61 23.15 57 95 43 0 3 1 0
WACO 65 32 77 16 49 1 0.00 -0.69 0.00 0.56 19 20.48 56 91 38 0 3 0 0
WICHITA FALLS 63 30 75 18 47 5 0.00 -0.31 0.00 2.02 129 19.13 68 76 28 0 4 0 0
UT SALT LAKE CITY 45 33 55 29 39 9 0.74 0.43 0.36 2.29 163 12.00 77 90 60 0 3 4 0
VA LYNCHBURG 51 24 67 11 38 1 0.87 0.16 0.87 5.58 159 46.01 107 80 39 0 6 1 1
NORFOLK 53 30 68 19 41 -3 1.10 0.38 1.10 2.84 86 35.45 72 90 45 0 5 1 1
RICHMOND 53 26 69 14 39 0 0.41 -0.32 0.41 4.50 128 38.89 85 82 41 0 5 1 0
ROANOKE 50 26 65 14 38 -1 0.16 -0.47 0.16 3.93 127 46.50 108 78 40 0 6 1 0
WASH/DULLES 49 23 66 7 36 1 0.25 -0.41 0.25 4.91 148 40.09 92 84 43 0 6 1 0
VT BURLINGTON 40 29 58 12 35 10 0.19 -0.35 0.19 2.57 103 38.24 101 72 53 0 5 1 0
WA OLYMPIA 50 41 55 33 45 7 3.83 2.04 1.74 7.62 97 50.81 100 99 85 0 0 7 3
QUILLAYUTE 51 42 56 37 47 6 6.23 3.07 2.15 14.61 105 92.85 91 100 85 0 0 7 4
SEATTLE-TACOMA 51 44 57 41 47 6 2.64 1.36 1.29 7.50 131 40.18 102 93 72 0 0 7 2
SPOKANE 38 30 44 22 34 6 1.52 0.99 1.02 3.54 151 17.08 103 96 76 0 4 5 1
YAKIMA 37 23 46 10 30 0 0.99 0.66 0.47 2.14 149 7.14 89 92 70 0 7 4 0
WI EAU CLAIRE 27 7 42 -7 17 0 0.00 -0.26 0.00 1.02 75 21.31 64 85 68 0 7 0 0
GREEN BAY 32 16 51 -1 24 3 0.03 -0.33 0.03 1.69 96 31.56 99 86 66 0 6 1 0
LA CROSSE 29 13 45 -2 21 0 0.15 -0.14 0.10 2.02 135 26.83 76 84 64 0 6 3 0
MADISON 34 15 55 -1 24 3 0.09 -0.22 0.09 2.33 143 35.84 96 82 62 0 6 1 0
MILWAUKEE 38 21 60 5 30 3 0.07 -0.32 0.07 2.27 120 34.37 99 75 55 0 6 1 0
WV BECKLEY 44 26 63 5 35 1 0.41 -0.28 0.41 2.77 84 47.63 109 81 48 0 4 1 0
CHARLESTON 48 26 69 9 37 1 0.11 -0.62 0.11 1.18 33 52.87 114 87 46 0 5 1 0
ELKINS 46 21 68 6 33 1 0.52 -0.22 0.52 3.14 87 54.99 116 86 47 0 5 1 1
HUNTINGTON 48 27 69 8 38 1 0.13 -0.61 0.13 1.64 45 43.87 97 77 44 0 5 1 0
WY CASPER 39 24 44 19 32 8 0.03 -0.11 0.03 0.74 121 13.18 107 84 54 0 6 1 0
CHEYENNE 45 26 57 18 36 7 0.01 -0.09 0.01 0.05 10 8.07 52 65 35 0 7 1 0
LANDER 40 13 51 5 27 6 0.00 -0.13 0.00 1.33 211 13.69 103 81 48 0 7 0 0
SHERIDAN 47 21 58 10 34 11 0.02 -0.10 0.02 1.02 191 18.78 125 78 46 0 7 1 0

Based on 1991-2020 normals *** Not Available

8 Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin January 4, 2023

December State Agricultural Summaries

These summaries, issued weekly through the summer growing season, provide brief descriptions of crop and weather conditions important on a national
scale. More detailed data are available in Crop Progress and Condition Reports published each Monday by NASS State Statistical Offices in cooperation
with the National Weather Service. The crop reports are available on the Internet through the NASS Home Page on the World Wide Web at
http://www.nass.usda.gov.

ALABAMA: December temperatures were generally on par with continued winter feeding and herd management while row crop
historical values, although temperatures late in the month were farmers continued equipment maintenance and input planning
some of the lowest recorded in recent history. December began for the upcoming season.
dry but the State received a significant amount of precipitation
the rest of the month to improve drought conditions. Total rainfall CALIFORNIA: For the week ending January 1, 2023 - Days
for the month ranged from 2.1 inches in Talladega County to suitable for fieldwork 3.4. Topsoil moisture 5% short, 40%
9.6 inches in Cullman County. According to the U.S. Drought adequate, 55% surplus. Subsoil moisture 10% short, 45%
Monitor, 49 percent of the State had abnormally dry conditions adequate, 45% surplus. Winter wheat condition 5% fair, 85%
by month’s end, compared to 84 percent at the month’s good, 10% excellent. Snowpack content ranged between 13 and
beginning. Most producers harvested row crops in a timely 16 inches in the Northern, Southern and Central Sierras. Field
manner, but some cotton harvest was behind schedule due to work was limited due to abundant precipitation and muddy fields.
equipment issues and rainy weather. Winter wheat planting Precipitation and cool temperatures have been beneficial for
continued throughout the month on schedule, but reporters in dryland wheat and oats. Wheat, oats, and barley were planted.
some areas noted that the late cold weather caused damage to Irrigated pastures have benefitted from the recent rains and were
the crop. Some fruit and vegetable producers reported losses growing well. Most cotton gins had completed their season.
due to the extended period below freezing. The cold spell also Strawberry fields were prepared for next year’s crop. Blueberries
caused damage to winter grazing conditions throughout much of were planted. Fields were prepped and planted with winter
the State. Livestock were reported to be in mostly fair condition, vegetables. Persimmons were harvested. Pecans were
with producers using significant supplemental feeding due to harvested in Tulare County. Navel orange, mandarin, grapefruit,
poor winter grazing conditions. lime, and lemon harvests continued but were slowed at the end
of December due to heavy rain. In the Central Valley, walnuts
ALASKA: DATA NOT AVAILABLE and almonds were sprayed for weeds.

ARIZONA: This report for Arizona is for the month of December COLORADO: This report for Colorado is for the entire month of
2022. Responses were based on the entire month, with December 2022. Topsoil moisture 12% very short, 24% short,
consideration for any weather-related impacts that are forecast 62% adequate, 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture 26% very short,
between now and month’s end. By the end of the month, cotton 37% short, 37% adequate. Winter wheat condition 5% very poor,
harvest was 98 percent complete, compared with 68 percent on 10% poor, 35% fair, 50% good. Livestock condition 5% very
the last report and 97 percent for the previous year, according to poor, 8% poor, 33% fair, 46% good, 8% excellent. Pasture and
the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural range condition 11% very poor, 24% poor, 24% fair, 41% good.
Statistics Service, USDA. Twenty-six percent of barley has been Moderately dry weather across the State during the month of
planted and 9 percent has emerged. Twenty-two percent of December was interspersed with a few productive snowstorms.
Durum wheat has been planted and 4 percent has emerged. According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report, 86 percent
Ninety-five percent of the alfalfa crop was rated good to excellent of the State is abnormally dry or in a state of drought. Just under
depending on location last week, with harvesting taking place on 31 percent of the State is in severe to exceptional drought, a
more than three-quarters of the alfalfa acreage across the State. much better start than 2022 when over 67 percent of the State
For the entire State, 79 percent of the pasture and range was was under severe to exceptional drought conditions. Productive
rated fair to good as soil moisture conditions remained mostly snowstorms during the latter half of December improved
adequate. According to the United States Drought Monitor for moisture across the State, and greatly boosted snowpack.
December 27, severe drought covered 7.9 percent of the State. During the third week of December, bitter cold and snow moved
The State was free of extreme and exceptional drought. In the across the State, causing temperatures to drop as low
northwestern part of the State, some spotty, heavy rains and as -30 degrees. Northeastern counties remained very dry, but
snowfall were reported, but some areas were still very dry. Most received beneficial moisture at the end of December,
range conditions fall in the fair category due to the presence of accumulating one to three inches above normal precipitation
different weed species. In the western part of the State, last week levels. Drought conditions deteriorated in southeastern counties
rains have helped to improve soil moisture, but overall, during since the end of the growing season, with most counties in a
the entire month, below normal precipitation has affected soil severe drought or worse. Livestock producers continued to
conditions. In the last 30 days, the average minimum utilize winter grazing arrangements where available. In
temperature was reported around 15 degrees Fahrenheit, mostly southwestern counties, reporters noted snow events had
in the north-central and central-east part of the State. provided good topsoil moisture. The San Luis Valley has
received limited snowfall this winter, leaving soils dry and
ARKANSAS: For the week ending January 1, 2023, topsoil rangeland deteriorating. According to county reports, livestock
moisture 2% short, 38% adequate, 60% surplus. Subsoil were in fair condition and hay supplies were short. Producers
moisture 2% very short, 6% short, 38% adequate, 54% surplus. continued to provide feed supplements due to poor range
Days suitable for fieldwork during the month of December were conditions. Statewide, winter wheat condition improved, with
17.0 days. December conditions for the State were cold and wet. 50 percent of the crop rated good to excellent, compared with
Significant rainfall and major freeze events occurred with 30 percent good to excellent from the previous report and
subzero wind chill taking a toll on cool season forages. Ranchers 25 percent good to excellent last year. As of January 1, 2023,
January 4, 2023 Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin 9

snowpack in Colorado was 124 percent measured as percent of December. Weather conditions were favorable for livestock. In
median snowfall. eastern Idaho, temperatures were below normal, with heavy
snowfall. While reservoir levels remained low, growers were
DELAWARE: The month of December saw a mix of extremely cautiously optimistic about the snowpack in Bonneville and
cold temperatures throughout most of the month, with Madison Counties. Livestock was fed hay, and hay stores were
unseasonably high temperatures and freezing conditions during adequate. Teton County experienced extremely cold
the last week of the month. Farmers are concerned about what temperatures followed by warmer temperatures leading to ice
impact the weather fluctuations will have on small grains and buildup in some areas. Bannock and Bingham Counties received
livestock. persistent moisture in the form of snow and rain.

FLORIDA: December temperatures were on par with historical ILLINOIS: For the week ending January 1, 2023. Topsoil
averages, although a cold spell at the end of the month brought moisture 8% short, 82% adequate, 10% surplus. Subsoil
significantly colder than normal temperatures. Total rainfall for moisture 6% very short, 23% short, 66% adequate, 5% surplus.
the month ranged from trace amounts in Hernando County to Statewide, the average temperature in December was
over 9 inches in Pasco County. According to the U.S. Drought 30.0 degrees, 0.01 degree above normal. Precipitation
Monitor, 41 percent of the State had abnormally dry conditions averaged 2.47 inches, 0.22 inch below normal.
by month’s end, compared to 33 percent at the month’s
beginning. Most of the State received little precipitation last INDIANA: Topsoil moisture for the month of December was 6%
month, which worsened drought conditions in the northern region very short, 19% short, 63% adequate, and 12% surplus. Subsoil
of the State. Pasture conditions remained mostly fair to good, moisture for the month was 9% very short, 30% short, 54%
although the cold spell at the end of the month brought damage adequate, and 7% surplus. Winter wheat condition was rated 2%
to pastures across the State. Livestock remained in mostly fair very poor, 6% poor, 30% fair, 52% good, and 10% excellent.
to good condition as well, but there were some reports of cattle Statewide temperatures averaged 31.8 degrees, 0.7 degree
death due to the cold spell. Sugarcane planting and harvest above normal for the month of December. Statewide average
progressed well throughout December. Citrus grove activities precipitation was 2.35 inches, 0.71 inch below normal.
throughout the month included mowing, fertilizing, maintenance December was off to a mild start, but gradually became colder
hedging, spraying and general grove maintenance. Early as the month progressed. Except for a relatively warm week in
oranges and red grapefruit that were not damaged by the early December, average temperatures hovered around normal
hurricanes in the fall shipped to packing houses. Vegetables that for most of the month. Precipitation levels were below normal for
were planted and harvested during December include green the month of December, but some rain and snow events towards
beans, yellow squash, zucchini, sweet corn, boniato, and the end of the month helped replenish soil moisture. Winter
avocadoes. wheat conditions remained relatively unchanged from the
previous month with 62 percent of the crop rated in good to
GEORGIA: December temperatures were generally on par with excellent condition. Livestock were reported to be doing well
historic averages. Total rainfall for the month ranged from despite enduring a severe cold snap toward the end of the
1.0 inch in Glynn County to 7.1 inches in Lumpkin County. December. Other activities for the month included equipment
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 54 percent of the State maintenance, construction projects, manure applications, grain
had abnormally dry conditions and 28 percent had moderate hauling, and completion of paperwork.
drought conditions by month’s end, compared to 70 percent
abnormally dry and 41 percent with moderate drought at the IOWA: Weather conditions were normal for December until late
month’s beginning. Excessive rainfall in some areas throughout in the month when an Arctic cold front swept across the State
the month limited winter field activities. Severe cold creating blizzard conditions with wind gusts of 45-55 mph and
temperatures around the end of December caused stress on wind chills down to -40 degrees. Most cattle producers were
crops and livestock across the State. Livestock were reported to well-prepared, although there were some cattle deaths. Some
be in mostly fair condition, although some calves were noted to swine and poultry illnesses were also reported. There were
have been affected by the cold. The cold weather hurt cool frozen water sources, wells, and pipes due to a week of
season forages and winter grazing growth, thus prompting below-freezing temperatures. Grain movement was hindered
producers to increase supplemental feeding. Hay supplies were briefly by heavy and blowing snow and high winds. Fieldwork
reported to be running low. Winter wheat growth was reported to activities early in the month included planting cover crops,
have been stalled in some areas due to the below freezing bulldozing, applying fertilizer, and tilling. Soil moisture levels
temperatures but have since shown signs of recovery. Late continue to be a concern due to below average precipitation as
planted cotton continued to be harvested and is nearing farmers look forward to the 2023 crop year.
completion. Some cotton was severely damaged with bolls not
opening in central Georgia. KANSAS: For the week ending January 1, 2023, topsoil
moisture supplies rated 43% very short, 26% short, 29%
HAWAII: DATA NOT AVAILABLE adequate, 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 47% very
short, 34% short, 18% adequate, 1% surplus. Winter wheat
IDAHO: The average temperatures in Idaho for the month of condition rated 23% very poor, 26% poor, 32% fair, 17% good,
December varied from below normal to normal for most regions 2% excellent.
of the State. Accumulated precipitation remained slightly below
to slightly above normal for the water year. Northern Idaho had KENTUCKY: For the month of December, Kentucky saw above
cooler than average temperatures and heavy snowfalls normal temperatures and below normal precipitation. The State
throughout December. In southwest Idaho, temperatures were has now received below normal precipitation for four months
above freezing, with good precipitation. Hay stocks looked good. straight. Despite the low totals, overall spatial drought coverage
In south central Idaho, conditions were cold with little moisture. was reduced from November. Although temperatures for the
Rain on top of frozen soil caused some ponding in late month were mild overall, an arctic event during the week of
10 Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin January 4, 2023

Christmas brought extremely cold weather and snow with wind usual. Snow cover as of December 29 was higher than usual,
chills well below zero. Temperatures for the period averaged with much of the northern half of the State having at least
39 degrees across the State, 1 degree above normal. 15 inches of snow on the ground. In the southern half of the
Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 3.55 inches State, snow cover ranged from about a foot in the north to about
Statewide, which was 0.66 inch below normal and 84% of a half-foot in the south. No major livestock losses have been
normal. Drought stunted fall pasture growth causing many reported.
farmers to begin feeding hay early. For the month, hay supplies
5% very short, 22% short, 65% adequate, 8% surplus. Livestock MISSISSIPPI: For the week ending January 1, 2023, topsoil
condition 1% very poor, 5% poor, 29% fair, 57% good, 8% moisture supplies were 1% very short, 5% short, 74% adequate,
excellent. Condition of winter wheat 5% very poor, 7% poor, 25% and 20% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 5% short, 74%
fair, 59% good, 4% excellent. Tobacco stripping 82% complete. adequate, and 21% surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork during
the month of December were 19.0 days. Conditions for most of
LOUISIANA: For the week ending January 1, 2023, topsoil December have been mild, but late December brought freezing
moisture 1% very short, 1% short, 38% adequate, 60% surplus. winter conditions. Late freezing temperatures caused severe
Subsoil moisture 1% very short, 1% short, 62% adequate, 36% damage to winter wheat and cover crops in some areas.
surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork during the month of Livestock conditions decreased with the cold front and set back
December were 18.0 days. December conditions for the State winter pastures dramatically. The cold front burned down rye
were filled with excessive rain and severe weather. Several days grass and killed it in some cases which kept those producers
consisted of below freezing temperatures and encounters with from getting a start on early grazing. Plant leaves were yellow in
flash flood events leaving some fields incapable of equipment most areas throughout the State with minimum growth. Overall,
activity. Sugarcane harvest continued through the month with with a mix of cold and warm temperatures for the month of
extremely wet field conditions, many producers reported December, crop progress for Mississippi should increase with a
concerns from freeze damage. A stretch of very cold consistent warmer weather pattern.
temperatures in late December injured or killed most unprotected
vegetables and the freeze events offered significant burn to the MISSOURI: For the week ending January 1, 2023. Topsoil
wheat crop and winter forages for livestock grazing. Crawfish moisture 4% very short, 14% short, 76% adequate, and 6%
producers will soon begin harvest efforts. surplus. Subsoil moisture 8% very short, 33% short, 59%
adequate, and 0% surplus. Winter wheat condition 0% very poor,
MARYLAND: The month of December saw a mix of extremely 3% poor, 27% fair, 66% good, and 4% excellent. Statewide,
cold temperatures throughout most of the month, with precipitation averaged 2.37 inches for the month of December,
unseasonably high temperatures and freezing conditions during 0.45 inch below average. Temperatures averaged 33 degrees,
the last week of the month. Despite the weather fluctuations, 0.1 degree above normal.
small grains and livestock in the State were reported in good
condition. Farmers are beginning to spread lime as land begins MONTANA: This report for Montana is for the entire month of
to dry out. December 2022. Topsoil moisture 19% very short, 27% short,
53% adequate, 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture 27% very short,
MICHIGAN: Topsoil moisture 2% very short, 10% short, 82% 40% short, 32% adequate, 1% surplus. Winter wheat -
adequate, 6% surplus. Subsoil moisture 5% very short, 27% condition 1% very poor, 10% poor, 67% fair, 16% good, 6%
short, 65% adequate, 3% surplus. Winter wheat condition rated excellent. Winter wheat – wind damage 82% none, 13% light,
2% very poor, 4% poor, 23% fair, 51% good, 20% excellent. 4% moderate, 1% heavy. Winter wheat – freeze and drought
Precipitation for the month of December averaged 2.09 inches damage 77% none, 22% light, 1% moderate. Winter wheat –
throughout the State, 0.16 inch below normal. Temperature for protectiveness of snow cover 1% very poor, 36% poor, 25%
the month of December averaged 27.3 degrees, 2.5 degrees fair, 14% good, 24% excellent. Pasture and range - condition
above normal. Approximately 52 percent of the State 24% very poor, 17% poor, 28% fair, 30% good, 1% excellent.
experienced abnormally dry conditions or worse, with 32 percent Livestock grazing accessibility – 23% open, 37% difficult, 40%
experiencing moderate drought and 10 percent experiencing closed. Livestock receiving supplemental feed – cattle and
severe drought conditions, according to the US Drought Monitor. calves 95% fed. Livestock receiving supplemental feed – sheep
The driest areas included the southeastern and thumb regions and lambs 88% fed. The month of December brought little
of the Lower Peninsula. Soil moisture in western counties in the precipitation and cool temperatures to Montana. Limited
Lower Peninsula remained high while mid and eastern counties precipitation for the month did little to change drought
continued to have opportunities to complete harvest activities, conditions in the State. According to the US Drought Monitor
wheat plantings, fall tillage, or fertilizer and manure applications published on December 29, 2022, 87.9 percent of the State
due to dry conditions. Blizzard conditions and extremely cold continues to experience drought conditions, unchanged from
weather halted fieldwork across the State between the end of the November. The amount of land rated as
December 23rd and 26th. Unusually warm weather followed and abnormally dry was 28.0 percent, compared to 21.2 percent at
much of the snow cover melted away. Other activities for the the end of November. Moderate drought was present across
month included tilling work, purchasing seed, preparing 24.8 percent of the State, down slightly from 26.2 percent at
equipment for spring, and tending livestock. the end of November. Severe drought covered 22.9 percent of
the State, down from last month’s 25.0 percent and extreme
MINNESOTA: The average temperature for the month of drought was found in 12.2 percent of the State, down from last
December was a few degrees cooler than normal across the month’s 15.5 percent.
State. This was largely due to a cold stretch between the 20th
and 25th of the month, covering the State in average NEBRASKA: For the week ending January 1, 2023, topsoil
temperatures 15 to 25 degrees below normal. Snowfall moisture supplies rated 33% very short, 40% short, 27%
accumulation for the month was higher than normal for adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated
December, with most regions receiving 5 to 15 more inches than 39% very short, 44% short, 17% adequate, and 0% surplus.
January 4, 2023 Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin 11

Winter wheat condition rated 10% very poor, 26% poor, 46% widely in the area with overnight lows dipping below zero. Other
fair, 16% good, and 2% excellent. eastern counties noted conditions remained dry and monthly
precipitation was minimal. Across the State, livestock were
NEVADA: For the week ending January 1, 2023 - Days suitable grazing recently seeded winter wheat fields and pasture grass
for fieldwork 0.8. Topsoil moisture 25% short, 75% adequate. where available. County reports noted reduced livestock
Subsoil moisture 30% short, 70% adequate. The US Drought numbers on wheat or pasture due to dry conditions. Winter
Monitor shows 75% of the State in D2 and more than 24% in D3. wheat condition declined. Converted moisture totals during the
Winter storms and snowpack buildup halted field work past month ranged from no precipitation to approximately
operations. Cattle are receiving supplemental feed. 4 inches. Significant precipitation was mostly confined to
western and central counties. Most counties saw below average
NEW ENGLAND: New England States experienced very precipitation during December and remained below average for
variable weather - cold days, snow, rain, and periods of warmth. the year. Isolated areas in a few counties continued to register
Christmas Eve in some parts of New England was the coldest in yearly rainfall accumulation at or below 50 percent of normal.
nearly 50 years. High winds in the Boston and northern New Conversely, yearly precipitation for an area centered over
England areas caused power outages, potentially forcing some portions of Catron, Cibola, and Socorro Counties totaled
residents to go without heat in below-freezing conditions. Snow 200 percent of normal or more. Average temperatures during
changed to rain as 2022 ended. According to a New Hampshire December were generally above normal except for a few
reporter, most of the counties had 3 or more inches of snow on northeastern counties that were at or below normal. According
the ground after a stiff windstorm on December 23rd, 2022. to the United States Drought Monitor for December 27,
Power outages happened a few times but came back on quickly. exceptional drought (D4) continued its hold across a portion of
According to a Vermont reporter most of the counties received land in Union County. Extreme drought (D3) was noted across
about 24 inches of snow in December, but recent heavy rain and 3.6 percent of the State, severe drought (D2) covered
above freezing temperatures has melted most of it. Large 14.8 percent, moderate drought (D1) covered 23.2 percent, and
amounts of rainfall through the holidays have provided ample abnormal dryness (D0) covered 51.2 percent. Drought free
water for wells and flooded some lowlands. Some freezing and conditions covered 7.0 percent of the State.
thawing, however not a lot of ice, so not much impact on winter
kill to date. Farm activities varied in December and included NEW YORK: December weather had extremes with a few areas
combining corn and spreading manure (CT), shipping potato experiencing large temperature fluctuations. Some northern and
crops (ME), planning for the 2023 season (NH) harvesting some southeastern parts of the State, including Long Island,
cold crops and seeding winter rye (RI). In Vermont, strong winds experienced abnormally dry conditions according to the U.S.
brought down trees on maple sap lines at tapping time which has Drought monitor. Snowfall varied across the State with the
delayed progress. Orchardists prepared for pruning apple trees northwestern parts experiencing record levels and sheets of ice
and Christmas tree growers finished up their season. Fresh on fields. For other parts of the State, snow was temporary with
greens were sold at winter farmers markets. Farmers looking temperatures warming back up. There were no reports that
forward to 2023 and how they will deal with high input costs in livestock were impacted by the weather, however there was
crop production and changing weather patterns. concern on the impact to honeybees. Vineyards began dormant
pruning which will continue until the spring.
NEW JERSEY: The temperatures this month went from warm to
below normal to warm again. In addition to the temperature NORTH CAROLINA: For the week ending January 1, 2023 -
fluctuations, there has been a significant amount of precipitation. Subsoil moisture 2% very short, 22% short, 57% adequate and
Cover crops were growing with the warmer temperatures. 19% surplus. Topsoil moisture 2% very short, 17% short, 59%
Vegetable and herb growers were seeding in the greenhouses adequate and 22% surplus. Barley condition 2% poor, 16% fair,
to start early plantings in late February or early March. 80% good and 2% excellent. Hay and roughage supplies 1%
very short, 17% short, 81% adequate and 1% surplus. Oat
NEW MEXICO: This report for New Mexico is for the month of condition 1% poor, 21% fair, 77% good and 1% excellent.
December 2022. Topsoil moisture 41% very short, 35% short, Pasture and range condition 4% very poor, 14% poor, 66% fair,
23% adequate, 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture 42% very short, 15% good and 1% excellent. Winter wheat condition 18% fair,
35% short, 23% adequate. Corn harvested for grain 98%, 99% 75% good and 7% excellent. December was mild and warm in
last year. Cotton harvested 85%, 99% last year. Onions planted the first half of the month followed by a cold wave around the
99%; emerged 95%. Pecans harvested 84%, 70% last year. Christmas holiday. The weather warmed up at the end of the
Pecan condition 1% very poor, 1% poor, 36% fair, 24% good, month.
38% excellent. Winter wheat condition, 22% poor, 58% fair, 19%
good, 1% excellent. Cattle receiving supplemental feed 57%, NORTH DAKOTA: For the week ending January 1, 2023, topsoil
69% last year. Cattle condition 1% very poor, 5% poor, 49% fair, moisture supplies rated 8% very short, 34% short, 52%
34% good, 11% excellent. Sheep receiving supplemental feed adequate, 6% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 10% very
71%, 61% last year. Sheep and lambs condition 11% very poor, short, 41% short, 45% adequate, 4% surplus. Winter wheat
31% poor, 38% fair, 19% good, 1% excellent. Hay and roughage condition rated 1% very poor, 3% poor, 48% fair, 46% good, 2%
supplies 17% very short, 38% short, 41% adequate, 4% surplus. excellent. Cattle and calf conditions, 1% very poor, 6% poor,
Stock water supplies 24% very short, 40% short, 36% adequate. 37% fair, 51% good, 5% excellent. Sheep and lamb conditions,
Dry conditions prevailed across the State during the month of 2% very poor, 5% poor, 39% fair, 47% good, 7% excellent. Hay
December and further depleted soil moisture supplies. Row crop and roughage supplies, 1% very short, 9% short, 87% adequate,
harvest wrapped up in several areas. Compared to last year, 3% surplus. Stock water supplies, 2% very short, 16% short,
cotton harvest at the end of the month was behind last year while 80% adequate, 2% surplus.
pecan harvest was ahead of last year’s progress. Comments
from Union County noted little moisture received during the OHIO: Topsoil moisture for the month was 2% very short, 10%
month was accompanied by high winds. Temperatures varied short, 65% adequate, 23% surplus. Subsoil moisture for the
12 Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin January 4, 2023

month was 7% very short, 24% short, 61% adequate, 8% PENNSYLVANIA: For the month of December, the State
surplus. Winter wheat condition was rated 2% very poor, 8% experienced fluctuating warm temperatures and little snowfall.
poor, 37% fair, 46% good, 7% excellent. The Statewide average There was an extreme cold snap followed by warmer than
temperature was 32.5 degrees, 0.8 degree above normal. normal temperatures that allowed some farmers to finish up
Precipitation averaged 1.79 inches Statewide, 1.13 inches harvesting. The heavy rain followed by an extreme cold snap
below normal for December. Approximately 64 percent of the over Christmas has frozen the ground. That allowed a lot of
State experienced abnormally dry conditions or worse, with manure to get spread but once it warms up it will be a long time
43 percent experiencing moderate drought, according to the US until the fields are fit to work again. Fluctuating temperatures and
Drought Monitor. After a near average few weeks of humidity are not particularly healthy for cattle in the barn nor for
temperatures and precipitation, a widespread deep cold weather tobacco hanging in the shed. Some tobacco was getting moldy
pattern developed on December 22 with high winds and tips from excessive moisture in the sheds.
sub-zero temperatures, which remained for several days. Above
average temperatures returned after Christmas with abnormally SOUTH CAROLINA: December temperatures were 1.0 to
warm temperatures across much of the State, which resulted in 3.2 degrees cooler than historic averages depending on location.
all snow cover melting. The wild temperature swings created Total rainfall during the month ranged from 1.6 inches in
stress for livestock, especially younger animals. While some Charleston County to 5.9 inches in Greenwood County.
damage to winter wheat was reported, crop conditions have According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 51 percent of the State
remained stable for the month. was experiencing abnormally dry conditions by month’s end,
compared to 32 percent at the beginning of the month. Harvest
OKLAHOMA: For the month of December, rainfall totals of cotton and soybeans continued throughout the month as
averaged 1.86 inches throughout the State, with the East Central conditions allowed. Planting of winter wheat also carried on into
district recording the highest precipitation at 3.15 inches and the December, with emergence aided by sufficient rainfall in most
Panhandle district recording the lowest precipitation at 0.16 of an areas. Freezing temperatures during the last part of December
inch. According to the December 27th US Drought Monitor caused stress to livestock and damage to cool season small
Report, 98 percent of the State was in the abnormally dry to grain crops, with oats noted to have been damaged the most in
exceptional drought category, up 3 percent from the previous the Lowcountry region.
year. Additionally, 90 percent of the State was in the moderate
drought to exceptional drought category, unchanged from the SOUTH DAKOTA: For the week ending January 1, 2023, topsoil
previous year. Statewide temperatures averaged in the high 30’s moisture supplies rated 16% very short, 33% short, 48%
and low 40’s, with the lowest recording of -7 degrees at Vinita on adequate, 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 24% very
Thursday, December 22 and the highest recording of 83 degrees short, 38% short, 36% adequate, 2% surplus. Winter wheat
at Tipton on Monday, December 5. Topsoil and subsoil moisture condition rated 5% very poor, 16% poor, 63% fair, 16% good,
conditions were rated mostly adequate to short. and 0% excellent.

OREGON: Moisture conditions throughout the State ranged TENNESSEE: For the week ending January 1 - Days suitable
from very wet to wet for December. However, the western part 2.5. Topsoil moisture 6% short, 65% adequate, 29% surplus.
of Oregon was below normal for seasonal precipitation. Subsoil moisture 6% short, 74% adequate, 20% surplus. Winter
Temperatures ranged from lower than normal to normal. wheat condition 6% very poor, 18% poor, 36% fair, 35% good,
Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties reported 5% excellent. Pasture and Range condition 8% very poor, 20%
record low temperatures and flooding in low areas. In poor, 43% fair, 27% good, 2% excellent. Cattle condition 1% very
Columbia, Multnomah, and Washington Counties, berries had poor, 5% poor, 37% fair, 49% good, and 8% excellent. Hay and
floral buds, and other agronomic crops were in good condition. roughage supplies 2% very short, 23% short, 68% adequate, 7%
Low temperatures affected some nursery container materials. surplus. Tennessee experienced variable weather with an
Polk County reported normal conditions. Benton and Lincoln extreme cold snap mid-December and then unseasonably warm
Counties reported cold conditions likely affected livestock. A temperatures to round out the end of the month. Cold
snowstorm resulted in downed trees that contributed to power temperatures placed considerable strain on wheat, pasture,
outages. Tillamook and Clatsop Counties reported very wet cattle, and production infrastructure including pipes and pumps.
conditions. Fields were seeded, but growth was slow. Gilliam, Forage stockpiles have been negatively influenced throughout
Hood River, Sherman, and Wasco Counties reported runoff the season by low rainfall, frigid events, and minimal snow to
due to freezing temperatures, resulting in isolated flooding of mitigate the cold, dry air.
fields with diversion ditches full of standing water. Cattle started
to calve, and no losses were reported due to the weather. TEXAS: For the month of December, precipitation mostly ranged
Umatilla and Wallowa Counties reported runoff and erosion in from trace amounts to upwards of 3 inches; however, isolated
some fields due to frost and high precipitation. Winter wheat areas in Southeast Texas and the Upper Coast received
was doing well, however, some winter wheat stands were late between 8 to 15 inches of rainfall. Cotton harvest was nearly
to emerge due to a lack of autumn precipitation, resulting in a complete throughout the State. Pecan harvest continued in the
lack of overall number of stands. Douglas, Jackson, and Southern High Plains and the Cross Timbers. Citrus, sugarcane,
Josephine Counties reported good rainfall, albeit below and vegetables were being harvested in the Lower Valley. Small
average. Malheur County reported snowpack and annual grains seeding was nearing completion; however, development
precipitation above 100 percent for both the Owyhee and was behind normal in some areas due to cold, wet weather
Malheur River Basins. They still had a long way to go due to conditions. Range and pasture conditions were rated 67 percent
reservoirs being completely drained last crop season. Growers poor to fair. Supplemental feeding continued Statewide.
were hesitant to acquire seeds and other supplies for crops that
require vast amounts of water, such as corn. Wheeler County UTAH: This report for Utah is for the entire month of December
reported good moisture conditions. However, erosion of fields 2022. Topsoil moisture 7% short, 65% adequate, 28% surplus.
was reported due to frozen soil. Subsoil moisture 8% short, 65% adequate, 27% surplus. Pasture
January 4, 2023 Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin 13

and range condition 11% very poor, 17% poor, 70% fair, 2% condition 47% fair, 51% good, and 2% excellent. Cattle and
good. Winter wheat condition 10% poor, 22% fair, 58% good, calves condition 3% poor, 38% fair, 52% good, and 7% excellent.
10% surplus. Hay and roughage supplies 18% short, 82% Sheep and lambs condition 1% poor, 35% fair, 60% good, and
adequate. Stock water supplies 1% very short, 17% short, 79% 4% excellent. Weather conditions for the month have been wet
adequate, 3% surplus. Cattle and calves condition 1% poor, 15% with rain and snow, along with a mix of warm and very cold
fair, 71% good, 13% excellent. Sheep and lambs condition 6% temperatures. Freezing temperatures caused some calf losses.
poor, 34% fair, 57% good, 3% excellent. Livestock receiving Farming activities for the month included checking on livestock
supplemental feed for cattle 60%. Livestock receiving and planning for the next growing season.
supplemental feed for sheep 50%. Cows calved 1%. Ewes
lambed-farm flock 1%. As of January 1, 2023, snowpack in Utah WISCONSIN: December began with some farmers still
was 170 percent measured as percent of median snowfall. harvesting their corn crop. Snowfall early in the month brought
an end to the harvest leaving a few fields unharvested but
VIRGINIA: Topsoil moisture 3% short, 82% adequate, 15% providing good cover for overwintered crops. For the month,
surplus for week ending January 1, 2023. Subsoil moisture 3% precipitation was 0.9 inch above normal. The average
short, 97% adequate for week ending January 1, 2023. Winter temperature for December was 0.3 degree above normal, but
wheat condition 3% poor, 14% fair, 78% good, 5% excellent. this masked some wide temperature swings. The storm system
Barley condition 1% poor, 13% fair, 83% good, 3% excellent. of December 22 brought snow, bitter wind, and temperatures
Livestock condition 4% poor, 27% fair, 64% good, 5% excellent. well below normal. It was followed by unusually warm
Pasture and Range condition 14% poor, 40% fair, 43% good, 3% temperatures the last week of the month, which melted the snow
excellent. Hay supplies 1% very short, 16% short, 82% in many parts of the State leaving some concern about damage
adequate, 1% surplus. Percent of feed obtained from pastures to the alfalfa and wheat crops. The sharp swing in temperatures
16%. Virginia experienced below normal temperatures and also brought concerns about respiratory illnesses in young
above normal precipitation in December. The State experienced livestock.
freezing rain and very cold temperatures from Winter Storm
Elliott which has caused stress on pastures and hay supplies and WYOMING: This report for Wyoming is for the entire month of
resulted in increased feeding of hay and silage for livestock. Hay December 2022. Topsoil moisture 23% very short, 33% short,
and roughage supplies are mostly adequate to short. Primary 43% adequate, 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture 38% very short,
activities for the month include equipment maintenance and 28% short, 33% adequate, 1% surplus. Winter wheat condition
purchasing seed and fertilizer. 4% very poor, 20% poor, 66% fair, 9% good, 1% surplus. Hay
and roughage supplies 3% very short, 20% short, 73%
WASHINGTON: Central Washington experienced low adequate, 4% surplus. Livestock condition 1% very poor, 2%
temperatures during December. In Klickitat and Yakima Counties, poor, 13% fair, 82% good, 2% excellent. Stock water supplies
the ground had been covered in snow for about a month. Cattle 6% very short, 17% short, 72% adequate, 4% surplus. Pasture
were fed on winter ground. In Benton County, the weather through and range condition 4% very poor, 16% poor, 29% fair, 48%
crop producing areas dropped into the single digits in the early good, 3% surplus. Wyoming received little relief from the ongoing
morning hours. Perennial crops were dormant, and no orchard or drought conditions during the month of December. Precipitation
agricultural activities were observed. Northeast Washington also levels were slightly above normal in most of the northeast and
saw a lot of snowfall in December. In Stevens County, there was southwest, while northwestern, southeastern and far
one week of below freezing temperatures. There were no reports southwestern portions of the State saw less than normal
of flooding or livestock issues. Pend Oreille and Spokane Counties amounts of precipitation. Temperatures ran below normal for
also saw snow, but it was not as cold. In the heart of Washington, most of the State. Portions of northern and west-central
an artic blast swept through and caused sub-zero temperatures. Wyoming saw temperatures as much as 6 to 8 degrees below
This was followed by freezing rain and snow, which caused slick average. Some snow fall was reported over the last month in
conditions. In Adams and Lincoln Counties, winter wheat was in Washakie and Hot Springs Counties where grazing conditions
mostly good to excellent condition, despite the weather. In were still fair to good. Reports in Lincoln County indicated
southeast Washington, most counties saw above average significant rain and snowfall with much needed moisture and
snowfall. In Asotin and Garfield Counties, there were a few days tolerable temperatures during December. According to the
of below-zero temperatures, and some livestock losses were United States Drought Monitor for December 29, 2022, the
reported. Most crops were snow covered, which should help limit amount of land rated as drought free was 25.6 percent,
crop loss. compared to 25.7 percent on December 1. The amount of land
rated abnormally dry improved somewhat to 20.8 percent
WEST VIRGINIA: For the week ending January 1, Topsoil compared to 18.4 percent on December 1. Moderate drought
moisture 4% short, 78% adequate, and 18% surplus. Subsoil was found in 25.0 percent of Wyoming, compared to
moisture 7% short, 80% adequate, and 13% surplus. Hay and 27.3 percent on December 1. Severe and extreme conditions
roughage supplies 8% short, 88% adequate, and 4% surplus. remained constant since December 1 at 22.1 and 6.5 percent,
Feed grain supplies 5% short and 95% adequate. Winter wheat respectively.
14 Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin January 4, 2023
December 2022
COUNTRY CITY TEMPERATURE PRECIP.
International Weather and Crop Summary (C) (MM)

AVG AVG HI LO DEP DEP

December 25-31, 2022 MAX MIN MAX MIN AVG NRM TOT NRM
International Weather and Crop Highlights and Summaries ALGERI ALGER 22 10 27 4 16 3.7 22 -66
provided by USDA/WAOB BATNA 18 2 23 -4 10 3.3 6 -22
ARGENT IGUAZU 33 19 36 0 26 0.4 29 -175
EUROPE: Record-setting warmth overspread the FORMOSA 35 20 41 0 27 0.4 61 -117
CERES 34 19 43 0 26 1.5 320 187
continent, with rain in the north and west contrasting CORDOBA 33 16 41 10 24 1.9 116 -30
with dry conditions across the Mediterranean Basin. RIO CUARTO 33 16 39 0 24 1.6 33 -100
ROSARIO 33 18 39 10 25 1.9 36 -92
BUENOS AIRES 31 17 38 9 24 1.5 72 -28
MIDDLE EAST: Dry weather over much of Turkey SANTA ROSA 34 17 40 9 25 2.2 10 -80
and northeastern Iran reduced soil moisture for TRES ARROYOS 31 14 38 7 23 1.9 29 -51
AUSTRA DARWIN 32 26 36 23 29 0.5 453 ******
winter grains, while moderate to heavy rain persisted BRISBANE 26 19 32 16 22 -1.7 36 -87
in central portions of the region. PERTH 30 17 37 12 23 0.1 1 -10
CEDUNA 27 15 43 8 21 -0.2 ***** ******
ADELAIDE 25 15 39 10 20 -0.5 ***** ******
NORTHWESTERN AFRICA: Dry and very warm MELBOURNE 23 12 38 6 18 -0.7 39 -6
weather expanded across the region, exacerbating WAGGA 27 12 35 4 20 -2.5 48 2
drought in the east while renewing drought concerns CANBERRA 23 9 32 2 16 -3.2 48 -19
AUSTRI VIENNA 4 0 13 -8 2 0.8 31 -5
in the west. INNSBRUCK 4 -2 9 -14 1 0.7 41 -14
BAHAMA NASSAU 28 21 29 18 24 1.3 51 15
BARBAD BRIDGETOWN 29 24 31 19 26 -0.1 20 -64
SOUTHEAST ASIA: Wet weather continued in the BELARU MINSK -2 -5 4 -13 -3 -0.4 68 21
traditionally wet eastern and southern portions of the BERMUD ST GEORGES 21 17 24 0 19 0.3 129 25
region, favoring rice and other seasonal crops. BOLIVI LA PAZ 16 3 21 -2 10 -0.1 75 -26
BRAZIL FORTALEZA 31 26 32 25 29 0.2 3 -22
RECIFE 30 25 31 23 28 -1.1 27 -6
AUSTRALIA: Generally tranquil weather favored CAMPO GRANDE 31 22 34 20 27 0.1 202 33
winter crop harvesting and summer crop FRANCA 27 18 32 15 23 -0.6 389 90
RIO DE JANEI 29 22 34 18 26 -0.7 57 -54
development. LONDRINA *** *** 35 -65 *** ***** 172 -29
SANTA MARIA 32 19 37 14 25 0.6 56 -105
BULGAR SOFIA 8 1 16 -6 5 3.5 38 -2
SOUTH AFRICA: Mild, showery weather BURKIN OUAGADOUGOU 34 19 38 15 27 0.6 0 ******
maintained favorable conditions for corn and other CANADA LETHBRIDGE -6 -17 9 -36 -11 ***** 17 ******
rain-fed summer crops. REGINA -13 -21 2 -36 -17 -4.6 10 1
WINNIPEG -9 -16 1 -28 -12 -1.4 24 1
TORONTO 2 -4 13 -15 -1 0.9 95 38
ARGENTINA: Dry, progressively hotter weather MONTREAL 2 -5 10 -11 -2 3 126 32
stressed emerging summer grains and oilseeds. PRINCE ALBER -15 -24 -2 -39 -19 -4.5 12 -2
CALGARY -6 -17 10 -32 -12 -5.3 19 5
VANCOUVER 4 -1 12 -14 1 -2.5 183 16
BRAZIL: Widespread showers benefited soybeans CANARY LAS PALMAS 24 18 26 15 21 1.8 13 ******
CHILE SANTIAGO 31 14 37 10 22 2.1 0 ******
in central and northeastern Brazil, but pockets of CHINA HARBIN -11 -20 -2 -26 -15 -0.3 11 4
dryness lingered in southern farming areas. HAMI -2 -15 3 -19 -9 -1.2 0 -3
BEIJING 3 -8 10 -11 -3 -1.9 0 -3
TIENTSIN 3 -8 10 -12 -2 -1.8 0 -3
LHASA 11 -5 16 -9 3 1.4 0 -2
KUNMING 15 6 21 2 10 0.8 15 -1
CHENGCHOW 8 -2 13 -6 3 -0.9 2 -9
YEHCHANG 10 3 17 -2 7 -0.3 1 -18
HANKOW 10 0 16 -7 5 -1.1 4 -28
CHUNGKING 11 8 16 4 10 -0.1 41 16
CHIHKIANG 11 4 18 -3 7 -0.5 22 -13
WU HU 8 1 14 -6 4 -2 27 -19
SHANGHAI 9 3 16 -5 6 -1.3 32 -17
NANCHANG 10 4 16 -2 7 -1.2 32 -24
TAIPEI 18 15 23 9 17 -1.8 52 -29
CANTON 18 9 23 4 14 -2.1 17 -18
NANNING 17 10 23 6 14 -1.3 4 -29
COLOMB BOGOTA 20 7 32 3 14 0 17 -41
COTE D ABIDJAN 31 25 34 22 28 0.1 76 3
CUBA CAMAGUEY 30 19 32 16 24 0.7 20 ******
CYPRUS LARNACA 21 12 23 6 17 2.3 19 ******
CZECHR PRAGUE 3 -2 16 -13 1 0.5 42 16
DENMAR COPENHAGEN 4 0 10 -9 2 -0.8 36 -11
EGYPT CAIRO 22 14 26 10 18 2.3 0 ******
ASWAN 26 12 31 0 19 1.6 0 ******
Based on Preliminary Reports
January 4, 2023 Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin 15

December 2022
COUNTRY CITY TEMPERATURE PRECIP. COUNTRY CITY TEMPERATURE PRECIP.
(C) (MM) (C) (MM)
AVG AVG HI LO DEP DEP AVG AVG HI LO DEP DEP
MAX MIN MAX MIN AVG NRM TOT NRM MAX MIN MAX MIN AVG NRM TOT NRM
ESTONI TALLINN -1 -5 6 -12 -3 -2.0 43 -15 MARRAKECH 23 11 28 7 17 3 12 ******
ETHIOP ADDIS ABABA *** *** 24 5 *** ***** ***** ****** MOZAMB MAPUTO 30 21 38 0 26 -0.6 240 140
F GUIA CAYENNE 30 23 32 21 26 -0.4 459 106 N KORE PYONGYANG -1 -11 7 -17 -6 -3 12 -5
FIJI NAUSORI 32 22 33 0 27 0.9 172 -168 NEW CA NOUMEA 30 24 33 21 27 1.6 106 53
FINLAN HELSINKI -1 -5 5 -19 -3 -1.3 81 19 NIGER NIAMEY 34 17 38 13 25 -0.3 0 ******
FRANCE PARIS/ORLY 7 3 16 -6 5 -0.1 30 -28 NORWAY OSLO -4 -7 5 -18 -6 -2.1 77 9
STRASBOURG 6 1 19 -13 4 0.3 20 -25 NZEALA AUCKLAND 23 16 27 11 20 1.4 107 25
BOURGES 8 3 18 -7 6 0.3 42 -26 WELLINGTON 20 15 25 11 17 1.0 82 14
BORDEAUX 12 6 21 -3 9 1.1 36 -71 P RICO SAN JUAN 29 24 31 22 26 0.4 76 -47
TOULOUSE 13 6 20 -6 9 2.0 18 -32 PAKIST KARACHI 29 14 32 0 22 1.1 0 ******
MARSEILLE 14 6 20 -4 10 1.6 50 9 PERU LIMA 24 19 27 17 21 0.1 0 ******
GABON LIBREVILLE 30 24 31 22 27 0.0 212 -109 PHILIP MANILA 30 25 33 23 28 0.3 32 -74
GERMAN HAMBURG 4 0 14 -9 2 -0.4 71 -2 PNEWGU PORT MORESBY 31 22 33 0 27 -1.6 307 195
BERLIN 4 0 18 -10 2 -0.4 50 6 POLAND WARSAW 2 -1 14 -14 0 0.3 48 12
DUSSELDORF 6 2 18 -10 4 -0.1 72 2 LODZ 2 -1 14 -12 0 0.5 50 8
LEIPZIG 4 0 18 -12 2 -0.3 56 22 KATOWICE 3 -1 13 -13 1 0.9 59 15
DRESDEN 4 0 18 -12 2 0.2 32 -12 PORTUG LISBON 17 12 19 7 15 2.6 345 247
STUTTGART 5 0 19 -14 2 0.4 40 -5 ROMANI BUCHAREST 7 0 17 -9 3 3.2 25 -22
NURNBERG 4 -1 16 -15 2 0.6 43 -6 RUSSIA ST.PETERSBUR -2 -5 4 -9 -3 -0.6 61 10
AUGSBURG 4 -1 17 -14 2 0.9 41 -9 KAZAN -6 -10 2 -19 -8 -0.6 80 30
GREECE THESSALONIKA 14 8 20 -1 11 3.4 29 -28 MOSCOW -3 -6 3 -14 -4 0.2 98 47
LARISSA 13 6 18 -2 10 3.1 57 6 YEKATERINBUR -8 -13 2 -22 -11 -0.2 19 -9
ATHENS 18 12 23 6 15 3.1 22 ****** OMSK -13 -19 0 -31 -16 -2.2 25 -4
GUADEL RAIZET 29 21 30 18 25 -0.4 48 -79 BARNAUL -13 -21 -2 -32 -17 -3.9 33 1
HONGKO HONG KONG IN 19 14 23 9 16 -2.4 42 10 KHABAROVSK -13 -20 -2 -30 -16 1.0 13 -6
HUNGAR BUDAPEST 5 0 14 -6 3 1.7 73 34 VLADIVOSTOK -7 -12 1 -19 -9 -0.4 32 12
ICELAN REYKJAVIK -2 -5 6 -13 -4 -4.5 56 -39 VOLGOGRAD -1 -7 4 -16 -4 0.6 0 -44
INDIA AMRITSAR 20 7 26 3 14 1.1 1 -14 ASTRAKHAN 2 -6 10 -14 -2 -0.8 3 -15
NEW DELHI 23 8 28 5 16 0.0 0 -14 ORENBURG -6 -14 1 -25 -10 -0.2 13 -18
AHMEDABAD 30 16 34 10 23 1.6 0 ****** S AFRI JOHANNESBURG 25 15 29 12 20 0.1 102 ******
INDORE 27 14 31 10 21 1.7 3 -10 DURBAN 27 20 32 17 24 -0.5 267 143
CALCUTTA 27 16 30 12 22 2.5 0 ****** CAPE TOWN 26 16 31 11 21 1.0 45 32
VERAVAL 31 20 35 14 26 1.4 0 ****** S KORE SEOUL 2 -6 10 -14 -2 -2.8 12 -11
BOMBAY 33 20 36 15 27 0.4 0 ****** SAMOA PAGO PAGO 31 25 32 23 28 -0.3 217 -148
POONA 31 14 33 9 23 2.1 0 ****** SENEGA DAKAR 30 23 35 19 26 2.2 0 ******
BEGAMPET 30 18 33 14 24 1.5 9 ****** SPAIN VALLADOLID 11 6 15 -3 8 3.5 140 95
VISHAKHAPATN 30 23 32 18 26 1.3 49 ****** MADRID 13 6 17 -1 9 3.0 135 101
MADRAS 30 23 33 19 26 0.8 278 90 SEVILLE 18 10 22 0 14 2.3 134 ******
MANGALORE 33 22 36 19 28 0.3 7 ****** SWITZE ZURICH 4 1 16 -8 3 0.9 91 7
INDONE SERANG 32 24 35 22 28 0.2 159 -6 GENEVA 8 3 16 -5 5 2.3 110 22
IRELAN DUBLIN 7 2 15 -4 5 -0.4 76 3 SYRIA DAMASCUS 15 4 19 0 9 1.4 3 ******
ITALY MILAN 7 4 14 -2 6 1.2 86 45 TAHITI PAPEETE 30 23 33 0 27 -0.6 151 -120
VERONA 8 3 12 -3 6 2.3 84 25 TANZAN DAR ES SALAA 32 25 33 19 28 0.2 78 -43
VENICE 9 5 12 -1 7 1.6 0 -52 THAILA PHITSANULOK 31 19 34 15 25 -0.1 42 19
GENOA 12 8 17 1 10 0.2 139 ****** BANGKOK 32 24 35 19 28 -0.2 18 -1
ROME 16 9 19 3 12 2.5 121 48 TOGO TABLIGBO 35 23 37 18 29 0.7 ***** ******
NAPLES 17 8 20 3 13 2.4 75 -18 TRINID PORT OF SPAI 31 22 32 0 26 -0.6 53 -99
JAMAIC KINGSTON 32 21 33 20 27 -0.3 0 -41 TUNISI TUNIS 22 11 28 6 16 3.0 4 -62
JAPAN SAPPORO 1 -4 8 -9 -1 -0.2 124 10 TURKEY ISTANBUL 14 9 20 4 11 3.6 39 -40
NAGOYA 11 3 16 -2 7 -0.5 26 -30 ANKARA 9 0 15 -6 4 3.0 32 -16
TOKYO 12 4 16 0 8 -0.1 58 -2 TURKME ASHKHABAD 8 0 20 -6 4 -0.1 5 -13
YOKOHAMA 12 5 18 1 9 0.3 66 -2 UKINGD ABERDEEN 5 1 11 -10 3 -1.1 126 59
KYOTO 11 3 16 -2 7 0.0 26 -32 LONDON 8 3 14 -6 5 -0.8 48 -9
OSAKA 12 5 17 1 8 -0.4 20 -36 UKRAIN KIEV *** *** 7 -1 *** ***** ***** ******
KAZAKH KUSTANAY -11 -18 -1 -28 -15 -2.0 10 -15 LVOV *** *** 11 -2 *** ***** ***** ******
TSELINOGRAD -12 -18 -1 -27 -15 -3.1 19 -4 KIROVOGRAD *** *** 8 -3 *** ***** ***** ******
KARAGANDA -10 -18 -2 -27 -14 -2.4 15 -15 ODESSA *** *** 10 0 *** ***** ***** ******
KENYA NAIROBI 26 16 28 12 21 0.4 39 ****** KHARKOV *** *** 5 0 *** ***** ***** ******
LIBYA TRIPOLI *** *** *** 20 *** ***** ***** ****** UZBEKI TASHKENT 6 -2 15 -10 2 -2.3 33 -25
BENGHAZI 22 12 28 0 18 2.9 2 ****** VENEZU CARACAS *** *** *** 0 *** ***** 0 -52
LITHUA KAUNAS -1 -4 8 -16 -2 -1.2 40 -6 YUGOSL BELGRADE 10 4 19 -3 7 4.1 76 23
LUXEMB LUXEMBOURG 4 1 16 -10 3 0.4 96 6 ZAMBIA LUSAKA *** *** 32 15 *** ***** ***** ******
MALAYS KUALA LUMPUR 32 24 35 23 28 -0.1 335 55 ZIMBAB KADOMA *** *** 33 *** *** ***** ***** ******
MALI BAMAKO 34 18 37 13 26 1.5 0 ******
MARSHA MAJURO 30 27 31 25 28 0.4 262 -40
MARTIN LAMENTIN 30 22 32 16 26 -0.4 93 -62
MEXICO GUADALAJARA 24 9 28 6 17 0.7 1 ******
TLAXCALA 21 6 25 0 14 0.2 1 ******
ORIZABA 22 14 27 0 18 0.5 30 ******
MOROCC CASABLANCA 22 14 26 10 18 3.1 157 ******
Based on Preliminary Reports
16 Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin January 4, 2023

EUROPE
Record-setting warmth overspread the continent, with rain in mountain snowpacks and resultant spring runoff prospects.
central, northern, and western portions of Europe contrasting Moderate to heavy rain (10-100 mm, locally more) accompanied
with dry weather across the Mediterranean Region. As the week the unseasonably warm conditions over most of western, central,
progressed, daytime highs climbing into the middle and upper and northern Europe, with the highest totals reported in
teens (degrees C) established all-time monthly record highs in windward locales adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean and North Sea.
France, Germany, and Poland and pushed weekly average Conversely, dry weather was observed across the Mediterranean
temperatures to as much as 10°C above normal. The anomalous Basin, sustaining long-term drought in northern Italy but
warmth melted the lingering vestiges of protective snow cover, benefiting flood recovery efforts in areas besieged by excessive
reduced winter crop cold hardiness, and further lowered rainfall during the first half of December.

For additional information contact: [email protected]

January 4, 2023 Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin 17

MIDDLE EAST

Increasingly dry weather over Turkey contrasted with more northeastern Iran (Khorasan) has trended dry over the past 30
rain and mountain snow in central and southern portions of the days, though winter wheat and barley were largely dormant
region. After beneficial rain in Turkey during late November and not immediately impacted by the dryness. Meanwhile, a
and early December, a multi-week period with little to no rain slow-moving storm system produced moderate to heavy
or snow has renewed drought concerns. The entire rainfall (10-60 mm, locally more) across the eastern and
northwestern part of the country — collectively known as the southeastern Mediterranean Coast and neighboring environs,
Marmara Region — has reported less than 50 percent of promoting the development of emerging to vegetative winter
normal precipitation since September 1, ranking as the driest grains. Beneficial light to moderate showers were also noted
of the past 30 years. Likewise, the Anatolian Plateau has over southern Iran (2-22 mm), though dry weather returned to
slipped to less than 65 percent of normal over the same Iraq and western Iran. Meanwhile, unusually heavy showers
timeframe, which put it as the 6th driest of the past 30 years. and thunderstorms continued to propagate northeastward
Winter-time drought generally has little to no impact on winter across Saudi Arabia, with amounts as high as 80 mm in the far
grains as long as timely rain returns in the spring. Likewise, south near the Red Sea.

For additional information contact: [email protected]

18 Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin January 4, 2023

NORTHWESTERN AFRICA
Dry and very warm weather increased drought in the east and value on record (since 1982) for the last week of December.
renewed dryness concerns in the west. After much-needed rain Farther east, drought intensified in Algeria and Tunisia under
eased record-setting drought in Morocco during the first half of sunny skies and temperatures up to 7°C above normal.
December, a second consecutive week with no rain and above- Season-to-date rainfall (since September 1) was at or below 50
normal temperatures (2-5°C above normal) raised the specter percent of normal and the driest of the past 30 years in
of drought yet again for emerging to vegetive winter wheat and croplands adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea in western
barley. The most recent satellite-derived Vegetation Health Algeria, eastern Algeria, and northern Tunisia, while north-
Index (VHI), which had likewise depicted improving central Algeria’s growing areas were the 2nd driest at 55
conditions in Morocco, ended the year with the 3rd lowest percent of normal.

For additional information contact: [email protected]

January 4, 2023 Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin 19

SOUTHEAST ASIA
Heavy showers continued across the traditionally wet other parts of Indonesia (Sumatra and Kalimantan) as well
eastern and southern sections of the region. In the as adjacent portions of Malaysia aided oil palm harvesting.
Philippines, all but the extreme northwestern locales In fact, the dryness was particularly welcome in western
recorded over 25 mm and over 150 mm locally. Similarly, Malaysia following persistent deluges the past few weeks
southern Indonesia (Java) reported rainfall totals between (rainfall averaged over 1,200 mm since November 1). The
25 and 100 mm, locally over 150 mm. The downpours remainder of the region (Thailand and surrounding
maintained ample moisture supplies for rice in both the environs) remained seasonably dry with irrigation supplies
aforementioned countries. Meanwhile, drier weather in remaining adequate for rice.

For additional information contact: [email protected]

20 Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin January 4, 2023

AUSTRALIA
Seasonably warm, dry weather in Western Australia favored moisture supplies promoted cotton and sorghum
rapid winter crop harvesting, which is reportedly nearing development and maintained overall good summer crop
completion in northern parts of the wheat belt. Similarly, prospects. Extreme maximum temperatures were generally
hot, mostly dry weather (less than 5 mm) in South Australia in the lower to middle 30s (degrees C) in southern
and western Victoria benefited wheat, barley, and canola Queensland and eastern New South Wales. Somewhat
harvesting, allowing fieldwork to continue without delay in warmer weather was observed in Western Australia, where
most areas. Elsewhere in the wheat belt, passing showers maximum temperatures were mostly in the middle 30s. Hot
(5-25 mm) in eastern Australia may have temporarily weather overspread South Australia and western Victoria,
interrupted local winter crop harvesting, but any delays with maximum temperatures generally in the upper 30s and
were likely brief. Otherwise, sunny skies and abundant lower 40s.

For additional information contact: [email protected]

January 4, 2023 Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin 21

SOUTH AFRICA
Mild, showery weather benefited emerging to vegetative corn progress. Highest daytime temperatures in the
and other rain-fed summer crops in most major production aforementioned regions ranged from the upper 20s to lower
areas. Rainfall totaled 25 to 75 mm from Mpumalanga 30s (degrees C), with somewhat warmer weather at the
southward through KwaZulu-Natal, where traditionally northern and eastern fringes of the corn belt. Farther west,
earlier-planted corn was nearing reproduction. Generally warm, sunny weather (highs locally approaching 40°C)
lighter rain (amounts locally below 10 mm) in North West favored rapid development of irrigated crops, including tree
and Free State kept topsoils moist for germinating later- and vine crops in Western Cape and cotton in Northern Cape
planted corn, while allowing the final stages of fieldwork to farming areas along the Orange River.

For additional information contact: [email protected]

22 Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin January 4, 2023

ARGENTINA
Sunny, increasingly warm weather dominated major farming (10-50 mm) provided timely moisture for cotton and other
areas of central Argentina. Nearly all locations in Buenos summer crops across northern Argentina, although daytime
Aires and La Pampa, along with southern delegations in highs reached the lower 40s at week’s end, maintaining high
Córdoba, Santa Fe, and Entre Rios, were completely dry. evapotranspiration rates and soil moisture losses through
Furthermore, temperatures rose to stressful levels by week’s evaporation. According to the government of Argentina, corn
end, with daytime highs reaching the upper 30s (degrees C) and soybeans were 77 and 82 percent planted, respectively, as
regionwide on several days. While hastening drydown and of December 29, still lagging last year’s pace for both crops.
harvesting of winter grains, the dryness and heat reduced soil Cotton was 74 percent planted versus 90 percent last year.
moisture for germination of summer grains and oilseeds and Meanwhile, harvesting of wheat and barley was 94 and 93
stressed emerged crops. In contrast, moderate to heavy rain percent completed, respectively.

For additional information contact: [email protected]

January 4, 2023 Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin 23

BRAZIL
A drying trend persisted over large sections of southern reproduction; in contrast, 95 percent of soybeans were
Brazil, where moisture remained limited for normal planted but flowering was still in the early stages (5 percent).
development of soybeans and first-crop corn. As in recent Meanwhile, mild, showery weather maintained overall
weeks, many locations from Mato Grosso do Sul southward favorable crop prospects farther north, including the main
recorded less than 25 mm with few days of measurable production areas in Mato Grosso, Brazil’s largest producer of
rainfall. Summer warmth (daytime highs often reaching the soybeans. Rainfall totaling 25 to locally more than 100 mm
lower and middle 30s degrees C) compounded the impact of spanned a broad area stretching from São Paulo and
the dryness on diminishing soil moisture reserves. In Rio southwestern Minas Gerais northward, extending westward
Grande do Sul, corn was 91 percent planted as of December through Goiás and Mato Grosso, where highest daytime
29, with 70 percent of the sown crop having reached temperatures stayed in the upper 20s and lower 30s.

For additional information contact: [email protected]

The Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin (ISSN 0043-1974) is jointly U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
prepared by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and World Agricultural Outlook Board
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Department of Managing Editor....................................... Brad Rippey (202) 720-2397
Agriculture (USDA). Publication began in 1872 as the Weekly Weather Production Editor.................................... Brian Morris (202) 720-3062
Chronicle. It is issued under general authority of the Act of January 12, International Editor.............................. Mark Brusberg (202) 720-2012
1895 (44-USC 213), 53rd Congress, 3rd Session. The contents may be Agricultural Weather Analysts.................................... Harlan Shannon
redistributed freely with proper credit. and Eric Luebehusen

Correspondence to the meteorologists should be directed to: National Agricultural Statistics Service
Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin, NOAA/USDA, Joint Agricultural Agricultural Statistician and State Summaries Editor…..……….………...….
Weather Facility, USDA South Building, Room 4443B, Washington, DC Irwin Anolik (202) 720-7621
20250.
Internet URL: www.usda.gov/oce/weather-drought-monitor
E-mail address: [email protected] U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
An archive of past Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletins can be found at National Weather Service/Climate Prediction Center
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