West TN, South of I-40/Highway 54  

Predicted 5-day DD60 accumulation –  35 (Good)

Historical 5-day DD60 accumulation – 19 (Marginal)

Precipitation forecast ranges from 50% to 30% throughout the period. Winds will generally range from 5-15 mph beginning from the west, shifting to northerly and finally comming from the south by the end of the forecast period.

West TN, North of I-40/Highway 54

Predicted 5-day DD60 accumulation – 17 (Marginal)

Historical 5-day DD60 accumulation – 17 (Marginal)

Precipitation forecast ranges from 60% to 20% throughout the period. Winds will generally range from 5-15 mph shifting from northerly to southerly to northerly and back to southerly by the end of the forecast period.

Southern Middle TN

Predicted 5-day DD60 accumulation – 37 (Good)

Historical 5-day DD60 accumulation – 11 (Poor)

Precipitation forecast ranges from 60% to 20% throughout the period. Winds will generally range from 5-15 mph shifting from northerly to southerly to northerly and back to southerly by the end of the forecast period.

Outlook (for all regions) – April 20 is the beginning of our recommended planting window. The forecast for chances of rain throughout the period will prevent planters from getting an early start this year even where predicted temperaturs are good.  Average temperatures for his period are marginal at best. If chances of rain decrease and field conditions dry enough to plant areas south of I-40 could have an opportunity to plant some early cotton on hill ground. Hold off on planting cooler, wetter bottom fields until conditions improve unless you have raised beds that promote soil warming and drying.