Across the Corn Belt, a mild, dry pattern remains in place, although cloudiness is increasing in advance of an approaching storm system. Some Midwestern farmers are preparing for upcoming storminess, which should help to replenish soil moisture but could result in increased livestock stress and close out a favorable period for off-season farm maintenance. Among Ohio Valley States, Indiana led at the end of December with topsoil moisture rated 40% very short to short.
On the Plains, a developing low-pressure system is moving across the Red River Valley, near the Oklahoma-Texas border.
