Alabama Weather Dilemma: Limestone County, Alabama – With a dry spell impacting the state, Alabama farmers, particularly in North Alabama, are grappling with the consequences. However, for Haney Farms in Limestone County, the lack of rain is proving beneficial for their cotton and soybean crops.
Haney Farms Owner/Partner Matt Haney explains, “As far as cotton farmers and soybean farmers, were kind of enjoying getting the crops out.” The dry weather has resulted in high-quality cotton due to its loose condition in the bur, making it easier to pick. The rush is on to harvest as much cotton as possible before potential rainfall.
However, not all farmers share the same sentiments. Alabama Farmers Cooperative (AFC) reports mixed feelings among farmers statewide. Cattle farmers seeking fall grazing and wanting to plant ryegrass are eagerly awaiting rain. AFC Vice President of Member Services Andrew Dempsey notes the stark contrast in rainfall between regions, with crops south of Birmingham suffering more due to prolonged dry conditions.
For Haney Farms, a family venture spanning over 50 years, the unpredictability of weather is a constant challenge. Matt Haney humorously remarks, “Its kind of I dont know what you want you want rain in a way and then you dont want rain, you know? Farmers are never happy!”
As the cotton harvest continues, Haney Farms is preparing to plant wheat in the coming weeks, hoping for a timely rainfall to facilitate germination and robust wheat growth.
Our Reader’s Queries
What kinds of catastrophic weather events do we have in Alabama?
Flash floods can happen out of nowhere, often after heavy rain. Lightning, a common occurrence in thunderstorms, can be extremely dangerous. Severe thunderstorms bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and sometimes even hail. Alabama is also known for tornadoes, which can cause widespread destruction and devastation.
Is Alabama going to have a bad winter this year?
According to the Almanac, the eastern United States, east of the Continental Divide, is expected to experience cold temperatures and snow this winter. Alabama is predicted to have a cold and potentially snowy winter. The Almanac categorizes Alabama as being in the “shivery” zone, with wet and slushy conditions anticipated.
How does El Niño affect Alabama?
Winter in the central and southern parts of the state tends to be wetter than usual, while it is drier in the northern part (Figure 4a). El Niño brings the most rainfall in the central and southern areas during winter, while La Niña is responsible for the highest levels of precipitation in the northern part.
Does it rain a lot in Alabama?
Alabama typically experiences sweltering, humid summers and gentle winters with abundant rainfall all year long. The state is drenched with an average of 56 inches (1,400 mm) of rainfall annually and enjoys a lengthy growing season of up to 300 days in its southern region.