Iowa Weather History 1906 Historical Frost: Late season statewide frost on May 28th with temperatures dropping to 30-32°F across multiple Iowa cities, though crop damage was minimal due to brief duration 2021 Comparison: Similar late freeze event occurred on May 29th with 37°F statewide average (13° below normal) Recent Frost Data: Last frost dates varied by location - Sibley (April 21st), Ames (April 12th), Keokuk (April 9th), though Mason City hit 32°F as recently as May 20th Weather Forecast & Climate Trends Short-term: Nice weekend weather with 70s-80s temperatures, some scattered showers and thunderstorms Long-term outlook: Moving toward more active storm pattern with warmer and wetter conditions expected Growing season: Expanding by 10-15 days due to climate trends, with later fall freezes and earlier spring thaws Moisture transport: Southern states' wet conditions could benefit Iowa through Gulf moisture transport mechanisms Recent Weather Conditions Memorial Day weekend: Quieter weather with temperatures 6-8°F below average Soil conditions: Persistently moist and cool, excellent for plant establishment Spring assessment: Very comfortable conditions, though not quite as ideal as 2024 when no irrigation was needed Specialty Crop Impacts & Pest Management Positive Conditions Excellent plant establishment due to consistent moisture No irrigation concerns for getting crops started Good conditions for transplant survival Potential Issues Blossom end rot risk: Persistent wetness reduces water movement and calcium transport in tomatoes Weed pressure: Moist conditions favor rapid weed growth Active Pests to Monitor Colorado Potato Beetle: Now active based on degree day models, targeting potatoes and eggplants Seed Corn Maggot: Second generation emerging, threatens direct-seeded crops like beans, corn, cucumbers Slugs: Increased activity in moist conditions, causing characteristic rasping damage Roly-polies: Higher populations in high organic matter soils may damage plant stems Management Recommendations Use row covers for newly planted eggplants and direct-seeded crops to protect from Colorado Potato Beetle, flea beetles, and seed corn maggot. Scout for Colorado potato beetle eggs and larvae Hand removal and soapy water treatments for organic pest control Monitor for slug damage patterns (round holes with scraped areas) Stay vigilant about weed management during optimal growing conditions Episode Summary generated by Claude.ai and edited by Dan Fillius

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