The latest indications from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center indicates a warmer than normal May over most of Indiana.

According to the maps issued recently, Indiana is expected to experience higher than normal temperatures during the month of May, says Ken Scheeringa, associate climatologist in the Indiana State Climate Office. This means that while there could still be some cool spells, when all the numbers are tabulated, May should turn out warmer than normal.  

The only exception could be in extreme southeastern Indiana. In the very tip of the state there appears to be an equal chance to be at, above, or below normal for temperature. 

HOW MUCH FIELD TIME WILL YOU HAVE? The latest forecast makes field work conditions uncertain in May.

Indiana is expected to be in a warmer than normal band that arches over the center of the country. Ohio is also in the same band. The western half of Illinois, most of Iowa and most of Nebraska can expect equal chances of above normal, normal or below normal temperatures. A band following the same dome-shaped curve sitting above the band that includes Indiana could bring temperatures which deviate even more than normal on the warm side to the upper Midwest and upper Great Lakes region.

If you get crops planted, warmer temperatures should help them get off to a fast start. However, the picture for precipitation has changed somewhat from earlier maps, which looked like early and mid-spring would bring drier conditions over Indiana.

The latest forecast according to the maps is equal chances for above normal, normal or below normal precipitation across Indiana in May. That opens the door to a variety of scenarios for the planting season across the state.

Whether or not that translates into enough field working days to get the crop planted remains to be seen. Where crops do get planted, growth conditions should be favorable.