Weather History & Forecast:
- 1942: Early snowfall hit Iowa on this date, with up to 4 inches accumulating in some areas
- Coming week: Unseasonably warm and dry with sunny days, temperatures above normal
- Extended outlook: Strong warm signal through early October, particularly in upper Midwest
Recent Weather:
- Past week: 8-12 degrees above average statewide
- First above-average rainfall period in weeks (with the highest, 4.54", in Fort Dodge!)
- Eastern Iowa remained drier than western areas
Specialty Crop Updates:
- Peppers: Good yields continuing due to warm weather; some cyclamen/broad mite issues observed in Newton area
- Carmen peppers: Unusual spiciness reported - growers advised to check
- Melons: Reduced solar radiation from cloudy, wet summer conditions may have contributed to poor season (theory posited by Jordan Lyon, Buser's Produce)
- Tomatoes: Splitting issues due to uneven rainfall patterns
Frost Outlook:
- No widespread frost expected through October 11th based on dew point forecasts
- Warm, dry conditions may still allow nighttime cooling near normal levels
Upcoming Events:
Greenhouse/High Tunnel Tip:
- Control weeds now to prevent pest and disease carryover through winter
Podcast Summary generated using claude.ai
