Cool temperatures and rain in some dry areas were expected around the U.S. Midwest this week, making for good conditions for corn pollination.
• MDA Weather Services forecast that temperatures around much of the Corn Belt will start out in the upper 70s (degrees Fahrenheit) this week before rising to the mid 80s by the end of the week.
• The outlook for early next week calls for temperatures in the low 80s.
• Temperatures in the Midwest were expected to remain cooler than usual for the next 15 days, which MDA meteorologist Don Keeney said was near ideal for corn, which was pollinating later than usual due to planting delays this spring.
• As much as three to four inches of rain was expected in central Kansas this week, with smaller amounts forecast for the southwestern Midwest.
• Southeast Iowa and central Illinois were expected to get the least amount of rain.
