Weather Forecast & Conditions:

• Cold front moving south from Minnesota will stall over Iowa, bringing rain chances Friday-Sunday
• Expected rainfall: up to 1-1.5 inches in northwest Iowa, less than 0.5 inches elsewhere
• Cool temperatures continuing into early September (50-60% chance of below normal temps)
• First overnight lows in the 40s recorded this past week

Historical Weather Note:

• August 28, 1979: Violent F3-F4 tornado tracked 45 miles across southwestern Iowa, killing 2 people and causing millions in damage

Growing Season Challenges:

• One grower called this "the worst growing season in recent memory" due to excessive rain and heat
• Watermelon season ending 1.5 months early due to persistent rainfall (14 inches over 2-3 weeks)
• Widespread crop diseases including Phytophthora on pumpkins, pepper anthracnose, bacterial spot, and southern rust on sweet corn

Specialty Crop Impacts:

• Cut flower growers dealing with high soil pH (7.7) and nutrient leaching
• Recommendations to remove diseased peppers to prevent further spread
• Discussion of sprayer technology resources for disease management

Looking Ahead:

• Hope for warm, dry fall to help struggling crops mature
• Next week will feature meteorological summer season review and in 2 weeks, the Summer Glory Index results

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