While the Midwestern states aren’t suffering from extreme drought conditions as much as the Western states, there is still plenty to be desired in the way of rainfall around the Midwest. And conditions don’t seem to be improving enough to make much of a difference.

“The Climate Prediction Center is calling for below-normal precipitation for May, June and July, especially for Northeast and North Central Wisconsin,” said Branden Borremans, meteorologist.

Most precipitation-reporting stations around the state have seen at least some improvement throughout the month of April. Madison has a deficit of 1.06 inches since Jan.1; it received 4.11 inches total precipitation since April 1, offsetting the deficit by 1.86 inches. Rhinelander has a deficit of 1 inch since Jan. 1; it received 2.56 inches total precipitation since April 1 and has offset its deficit by 0.95 inch.

According to Borremans, Wisconsin’s drier-than-normal winter can be attributed to the North Atlantic Oscillation being in a positive phase this winter. There are two semi-permanent pressure cells in the North Atlantic – low pressure near Iceland and high pressure near the Azores islands in the mid-Atlantic. The North Atlantic Oscillation results from changes in strength in those pressure cells. When the North Atlantic Oscillation is positive, the pressure cells are stronger than normal. When it’s negative, the pressure cells are weaker than normal.

Uncharacteristically strong North Atlantic pressure cells this past winter resulted in stronger-than-normal westerly winds – the jet stream – over North America.

“This is not a good pattern for big snow events in Wisconsin, as the overall flow is essentially too fast for storms to get organized,” Borremans said. “This fast flow also reduces the number of arctic intrusions for the Midwest, as the true arctic air will mostly glide by to our north and east.”

In contrast, whenever the North Atlantic Oscillation is negative, Wisconsin experiences colder, snowier winters. The weaker North Atlantic cells cause a weaker jet stream over North America, allowing not only for more arctic outbreaks but also plenty of time for storms to develop over the Midwest.

As expected, if these dry conditions persist throughout the growing season farmers have the potential to lose money due to ruined crops or reduced yields. If water supply drops too low, farmers might need to drill more and deeper wells, and more money would likely be spent on feed and water for animals.

“Drought, as we can imagine, has a trickle-down effect on other businesses that rely on farming,” Borremans said.

Many other industries, such as farm-equipment manufacturers, food processors and feed-sales representatives could lose business. Consumers also may be expected to pay higher prices at the grocery stores.

“Another point that isn’t discussed much is the emotional impact,” Borremans said. “Anxiety and depression can be common during times of severe drought due to concerns about economic losses.”

Source - http://www.agriview.com/