Last week finished out with high temperatures in the 80’s followed by 30-40 mph winds and a high of 90 degrees on Saturday, June 13^th. Winds were somewhat less on Sunday and scattered thunderstorms moved through during the afternoon overnight into early Monday morning. Most areas of western Divide, Williams, and McKenzie Counties saw less than 0.1” from the storms. Far eastern Divide and south east Williams saw two-day totals between 0.5 and 1.0”. The high winds and hot temperatures are continuing to dry out the ground and stress crops. Some relief should be felt where rainfall exceeded 0.5”, but since most of us didn’t get that much, I expect to see more signs of drought stress in crops. Looking at the 7-day forecast, highs are expected to be in the 60’s and 70’s through the weekend. There’s a small chance of showers mid-week but unfortunately no strong chances of rain.

Here at the Williston REC, winter wheat is flowering. The stands seem a bit sparse with not very many tillers per plant and lower leaves drying up (see photo). I observed a pea field starting to flower, no doubt being pushed by the dry conditions. Green foxtail is emerged and growing, so hopefully we’ll get enough breaks from the wind to control summer annual grassy weeds.

Clair Keene

Extension Cropping Systems Specialist

NDSU Williston Research Extension Center