Following a dry, mild winter in the Midwest, a University of Missouri meteorology expert is predicting a relatively wet and mild summer for Missouri and much of the Midwest.
Tony Lupo, a professor of atmospheric science at MU, said normal temperatures and average rainfall this summer should help boost agriculture in the region after a dry winter, according to an MU news release.
"Historically, after dry winters such as the one we just experienced, we typically see a pattern change and experience average to wetter-than-average summers," Lupo said. "We already are seeing the beginning of this shift with the very wet spring we have experienced so far.
"With milder temperatures and a healthy amount of rain, farmers around Missouri and much of the Midwest can hope to have great growing conditions for much of the summer."
Lupo's forecast calls for slightly higher-than-normal corn and soybean yields throughout the state, with the exception of southeastern Missouri, which may see slightly below average yields. Lupo said the mild, average forecast for the summer can be attributed, at least in part, to the projected El Nio conditions in the Pacific Ocean.
"Early during the formation of El Nio patterns, the Midwest typically sees mild and wet summers, which is what we expect to experience this year," Lupo said.
"While those conditions will probably change as El Nio advances, people in the Midwest should be able to enjoy the mild weather for this summer at least."