This is being written before the weekly drought monitor is released, but there is likely little change. Our area, the western two-thirds of state, are out of dry conditions. The six-to ten-day outlook (Jan. 3 to 7) indicates a 70 to 80% chance of likely above normal for temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (Jan. 5 to 11) indicates a 60 to 70% chance of likely above normal for temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation. With the exception of two brief cold spells, December temperatures have been at or above normal with high temperature records set in several cities of the last 10 or so days.

It’s hard to believe as Christmas and New Year’s Day are barely past, but planting season for summer crops is a little over three months away in our area. Last year was dramatically better than the previous five years – moderate temperatures, and for most of the state, finally digging out from dry conditions. Wheat has had good conditions for establishment. What is the Climate Prediction Center forecasting as of now for the upcoming year? Naturally this may change, but overall, they do a good job of the overall outlook.

• January through March: For Kansas, the outlook is for equal chances of above or below normal temperatures and precipitation. Normal would be fine for wheat with the current soil moisture levels with liquid precipitation increasing to a little over two inches during March.

• March through May: There is a continued trend for equal chances. What the January through May indicates that as of today, they aren’t seeing a La Nina or El Nino building in. April and May, if normal, we would see over three plus inches in these months.

• April through June: Precipitation chances remain the same, but we are starting to lean above normal for temperatures but not strongly so. As of now, decent conditions for wheat and for planting and establishing corn, grain sorghum and soybean crops.

• June through August: The trend continues. If it holds we should experience fairly average conditions. While rains start to become spottier, especially for late July and August, we still average three plus inches. Normal would also see the nineties for average highs with a few 100+ days thrown in.

• August through October: The outlook indicates we may be leaning above normal for temperatures and leaning a bit more strongly for less precipitation. Once we get to September, rainfall averages a bit over two inches a month through October.

Naturally, patterns change and a La Nino or El Nino could markedly change things. As of now, it looks like a return to more “normal” conditions.

Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207, or martinv@bartonccc.edu.