All graphics courtesy of USDA, NOAA, Department of Commerce

Key points from the latest USDA, NOAA and Department of Commerce weekly weather update:

"Rain ended early in the period across the Midwest, allowing farmers to gradually resume corn and soybean planting as the week progressed. Emerged Midwesternsummer crops greatly benefited from soil moisture improvements associated with the early May rainfall.

"Meanwhile, significant rain also fell across the Southand East. Some of the heaviest rain (locally 4 in. or more) fell from May 10-12 in parts of Texas, where the area affected by drought continued to shrink toward the south and west. Across the eastern one-third of the U.S., rain aided pastures, summer crops and immature winter grains.

"Precipitation was especially beneficial across the drought-affected lower Southeast, although much more rain was still needed. Farther west, little or no precipitation occurred from the Pacific Coast to the northern and central Plains. In contrast, rain continued to chip away at long-term drought on the southernmost High Plains. Cool weather prevailed, across the northern High Plains. In addition, freezes were noted on May 8-9 as far south as western Nebraska," said the weekly report.

Download the full report from USDA NASS.