Highlights: A rapid transition from El Niño to La Niña and a persistent blocking high-pressure system over the northern Atlantic Ocean were the
driving forces behind a number of extreme weather and climate events in 2010. In particular, the North Atlantic block was largely responsible for sustained cold outbreaks in Florida in both January and December 2010. Meanwhile, played a role in a stormy winter and spring in various parts of the country. Nevertheless, fields dried quickly enough in the Midwest to promote a rapid spring planting pace.
During the spring and summer growing seasons, above-normal temperatures dominated the Nation's major crop production areas, including the central and southern Plains and the Midwest. As a result, most crops developed and matured rapidly, although heat and expanding drought in the eastern Corn Belt and parts of the South reduced yield prospects. In contrast, unfavorably wet weather conditions affected parts of the western Corn Belt, where June flooding washed out some low-lying fields.
Following a warm growing season, Midwestern harvest activities proceeded at a rapid pace. Farther north and west, however, persistently cool, damp weather led to delayed small grain development and harvesting across the northern High Plains and the Northwest. California also experienced developmental and harvest delays for crops such as rice and cotton.
