If there isn’t significant precipitation soon, there could be cause for concern for local farmers.
June saw about one inch of rain, which is well below the historical average of 2.5 inches and the current trend indicates there could be less rain this month.
According to MSU Extension Agriculture Educator Jim DeDecker, crops can withstand drought conditions for some time, but rain or another source of water is needed when plants reach their pollination stage.
Pollination stages can vary by plant.
“I took a ride the other day and some of the crops in Presque Isle were showing drought stress,” DeDecker said.
Crop stress is not widespread right now — at least in this area — but it could be if we don’t get more rain.” Although it was a nuisance at the time it hit, the mid-April snowstorm helped saturate the soil significantly and that helped slow the damage to the crops, DeDecker said.
The high humidity that has accompanied the recent heat also has helped because it reduces or slows the evaporation of moisture from the leaves of the plants.
“There is less water drawn out of the plant and helps keep it from dehydrating,” he said.
If the dry and hot conditions continue, the odds of crop damage climbs significantly.
Over the next two weeks, there is little rain in the forecast, Weather Service meteorologist Tim Locker said.