At midday, the 12Z GFS unloads heavy to extreme rain on the core of the U.S. drought zone located in Kansas and vicinity. Additional heavy rain is forecast for the Southeast U.S.

A wet spring for much of Europe to the Black Sea region. However, a dry zone is strengthening across Portugal and Spain extending from Northwest Africa. A marine heat wave has developed offshore. Careful monitoring for strengthening drought in this region!

Beneficial rainfall is ahead for the D4 drought area in Kansas. However, trend of the weekend forecast models is for the heaviest rain to strike just to the south across Oklahoma. Significant easing of drought in Oklahoma is likely.

A difficult weather pattern for U.S. agriculture with a late season chill lasting into May allowing northern Plains snow cover to hang on into May. There may be additional snowfall! Some beneficial rains for parts of the Great Plains in the 10-day outlook.