Tennessee continues to experience dry weather conditions. Some areas of the state experienced showers this week with mixed thoughts on benefit.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, extremely high temperatures and continued dry conditions are taking a toll on crop condition. For the week ending September 1st, USDA reported corn harvest began and conditions are mostly fair to good, with some noting decreased yields.
Cotton, tobacco, and soybeans reportedly have showed signs of stress. As dry weather continues, cattle producers are feeding hay and hauling water.
While moisture levels in the northern counties remain decent, the central and southern counties continue to progress into D0 abnormally dry and D1 moderate drought conditions, with a pocket of D2 severe drought and D3 extreme drought present. Statewide, there were 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork last week.
The Greeneville Greene County Office of Emergency Management reported today that the latest Drought Index showed Greene County has gone from No Drought to Abnormally Dry status. EMS personnel will continue to monitor the situation and send out updates to the community.
The USDA reports topsoil moisture was 38 percent very short, 39 percent short, 22 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was 38 percent very short, 38 percent short, 23 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.