Weather History & Forecasts
- Iowa Weather History (1989): Large thunderstorms brought heavy rain to western Iowa with severe weather and brief tornadoes, causing wind damage, roof damage, and trees falling on cars
- 7-Day Forecast: Cool autumn weather with clear skies and below-average temperatures; best rain chances on days 4-6 due to Atlantic activity and shifted Bermuda high
- Climate Outlook: September 9-13 shows slightly warmer temperatures and higher precipitation chances in western Iowa; monthly outlook suggests equal temperature chances and wetter conditions statewide
Weather Summary & Notable Events
- Past Week: Most of Iowa received below-normal rainfall (0.5" below average), except western/southwestern Iowa which saw above-average amounts
- Cold Snap: Some locations hit around 40°F, causing potential localized damage to sensitive plants like basil but not widespread frost damage
- Summer 2025 Overview: 10th wettest summer in 153 years with 18.5" total precipitation (5" above average); July was 2nd wettest on record; August was drier at 3.4" (0.75" below average)
Heavy Dews Explanation
- Seasonal Pattern: Heavy dews occur in late August/early September due to shorter daylight hours and cooling surface temperatures
- Science: Earth radiates heat overnight while warm air masses remain overhead, reaching dew point and creating heavy condensation
- Crop Impact: Wet leaves from heavy dews can promote foliar pathogens and crop decline
Specialty Crop Topics
- Foxtail Grass Seeds: Grower concerned about viability of mowed green foxtail; recommended germination testing with moist paper towel method
- Compost Management: While beneficial, compost can raise soil pH and create phosphorus excess due to 1:1:1 N-P-K ratio; rule of thumb: 1% organic matter = 20 lbs nitrogen per season
- Nitrogen in Rainfall: Addressed grower question about delayed flower blooming; rainfall contains minimal nitrogen (0.5-3 mg/L) compared to irrigation water nitrate levels (10+ mg/L); plant greening after rain is primarily due to improved nutrient availability from soil moisture, not atmospheric nitrogen
- Cover Crops: Good timing now for oats and peas establishment; winter rye timing approaching; recommend seeding when rainfall is expected
Episode Summary created by Claude.ai
