Below you will find the daily maximum and minimum air temperatures, 2-inch soil temps, and 24-hour precipitation amounts for this week. These values are recorded at 8 AM and reflect the conditions for the previous 24-hour period (8 AM to 8 AM) at the Southern Research & Outreach Center, Waseca.

                        *Bare soil

COMMENTS: Every day this week was cooler than normal and 12 of the last 14 days have been cool. Temperature averaged 66.9 degrees which is 3.7 degrees cooler than normal. Rainfall totaled 0.54 inch which is 0.58 inch less than normal. Growing degree units (GDUs) totaled 118.5 or 17% less than normal. Since May 1, we have now accumulated 666.5 GDUs which is 16% less than normal.

Last year this week was also cool but wet. Temperature averaged 67.7 degrees and 1.47 inches of rain fell. However last May and June were much warmer and by now we had accumulated 978 GDUs.

The cool season crops like wheat and oats have been enjoying the weather this spring but we have now reached the time of year when normal high temperatures are in the low 80’s which is more favorable for corn growth. Early planted corn is in the V8 (8 leaf collars showing) and is about 28 inches tall. Soybeans are in the 3^rd or 4^th trifoliolate leaf stage and should begin flowering soon. Read herbicide labels and watch for restrictions for applications on flowering soybeans. Most later planted soybeans that need herbicide applications however are still a week or two away from flowering.

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