RECENT WEATHER HEADLINES:
1. El Nino Advisory has been issued by the NWS the first El Nino Advisory 2023. The most significant effects of El Nino are seen in the winter in Iowa. 2. The State of Iowa announces a Drought Watch. 3. A weak solar cycle raises concerns about how it can potentially slow down the jet stream over northern latitudes, leading to slower blocking weather patterns. This could result in slow-moving high-pressure systems, causing heatwaves and flash droughts in impacted areas. The CFSv2 Ocean-Atmospheric model indicates the a polar vortex could bring more cool weather over the northern US into early July. This model is indicating a warmer than normal 4th of July weekend. The latest North American Multi-Model Ensemble (NMME) model forecasts warmer than normal temperatures for the western Cornbelt throughout July, which might also extend into August. Pockets of drier than normal conditions could persist in the region west and around the Great Lakes. These conditions can potentially lead to lower crop yields and increased water usage as farmers struggle to keep crops hydrated. Iowa typically experiences high temperatures ranging from 85°F to 90°F. With the NMME forecast predicting warmer than normal temperatures, it could be possible that the average summer temperatures would be higher than usual, leading to increased energy consumption and resources needed to keep people and crops hydrated.