On March 16, we ran a piece explaining that the drought and record cold were going to cause serious problems for the 2026 winter wheat crop. Unfortunately, that observation and forecast is now confirmed.  The large number to the left of the smaller numbers is the percent of this year's winter wheat that is in excellent or even good condition. Twelve percent in Oklahoma and 17% in Texas is just terrible. 

This is very sad news for the world, not just Kansas.  The map depicts the number of hours the temperature was below 12°F. Little if any wheat, once it has emerged for the season, can handle that intensity and duration of cold.

Above is the three day precipitation ending at 11m this morning. Desperately needed rain fell from the Great Plains into the Midwest. Heavy rains, more than six inches in spots, fell from Mississippi into southern Alabama. Unfortunately, a few tornadoes did damage in Louisiana and Mississippi last night and this morning but -- based on the latest reports -- the damage was not major and no fatalities were reported.  The white from Kansas into New Mexico and Colorado are what farmers in social media are calling the "million dollar snow." As much as 15" fell in far western Kansas. Winter wheat is planted in the fall, goes dormant in the winter, then grows rapidly in spring. It is harvested in early summer. This snow gradually melts providing soil moisture and -- when it is extremely cold -- protection from the elements.