Long range weather forecasts are predicting that low
water levels on the Mississippi River are likely to persist through into the
winter as a result of drier-than-normal weather being expected across the
southern United States and Gulf Coast. About 60% of US grain exports exit the
country via the Gulf Coast.
Drought currently spans nearly 60% of the US and is
expected to continue or worsen in the middle and lower Mississippi River valley
as well as in much of the West and the Great Plains, the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Centre said in its
December-to-February outlook.
Greater than average levels of rain are expected in the
Midwest and the Ohio River valley, which could provide some relief to Mississippi
later in the winter, NOAA said.
Water levels on the Mississippi River have already dropped
to historic lows and have at times halted barge shipments of grain, fertilizer,
coal and other commodities.
NOAA forecasters are also predicting drought conditions will
persist or worsen in the West and in the southern plains farm belt.
