US Weather Outlook

The central US is set for a trend towards much warmer weather next week, with temperatures by Wednesday hitting as much as 20 degrees above normal for mid-March, says Allen Motew of QT Weather.

These warmer temperatures will stimulate some jointing and making the HRW crop susceptible to an April freeze, Allen warns.

Drought and warmer temperatures at this time of year may also encourage wheat emerging from winter dormancy to "speed up" in an attempt to protect the species, developing fewer seed heads and ultimately providing lower yields.

Forecast temperatures for next Wednesday as departure from normal: