Corn Earworm
A weak cool front is still expected to move southeast through much of the corn-growing region over the next 24-48 hours. South to southwest winds will be present southeast of this front but in modest fashion, and there is still lingering effects from an upper-level low pressure system in the mid-south, as well, so any migration prospects may be shorter-distance affairs than the more traditional longer-distance flights. Local flights could be intense but will likely remain isolated, thus only Low risks at this time. A more favorable pattern for more widespread corn earworm moth flights may return to a larger portion of the corn-growing region by next weekend, and Low risks have already been introduced to the forecast from Kansas, Nebraska and southeast South Dakota as far east as roughly the I-75 corridor by next weekend. Should the forecast hold as the week moves on, we will be introducing elevated migration risks to the forecast as the overall weather pattern looks favorable for corn earworm migration across a larger area by that time. We encourage processing, fresh market, and garden growers, especially, that have intentionally-later maturing crops still at risk for corn earworm damage to pay attention to forecasts this week and also continue trap-monitoring and field scouting as some isolated flights may still be possible in the meantime.

