Thanks to the recent multi-day storm, green grass is appearing under southern Minnesota snow for the first time in months.

Heavy amounts of snow still cover most regions in southwest Minnesota from the recent snow storm. But there some possible rain in the forecast for the next few days, which could melt some of that snow.

“All the snow will soak in pretty nicely. We’ll see some green up. It’s a step in the right direction, but it’s still dry,” said National Weather Service Meteorologist Eric Ahasic in Chanhassen.

“We usually have about three and one-half inches of liquid by the end of March, which is about where we are at,” he added.

While last week’s drought monitor showed 74% of Minnesota in at least moderate drought, Thursday’s updated drought monitor showed 43% of the state in drought. Ninety-nine percent of the state is abnormally dry.

Minnesota soil moisture conditions at 20 centimeters depth were listed at 70% or higher in south central Minnesota and slightly less in southwest Minnesota.

Ahasic said warmer temperatures are coming next week with light precipitation chances Sunday and Monday.

Forecast highs are in the mid 40s Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, 53 on Wednesday and as high as 60 degrees Thursday.

South Central College Farm Business Management Instructor Wayne Schoper said the recent moisture was “hugely beneficial” to area corn and soybean producers.

“Our topsoil was pretty well depleted (before the rain and snow),” said Schoper.

He said the frost coming out of the soil in February and early March allowed moisture to go right into the soil.

“We need more rain, but we’re looking at planting corn in a month,” Schoper added.

He said Thursday’s USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) report indicated U.S. farmers plan to reduce corn plantings to 90.036 million acres in 2024, down from 94.641 million last year, and increase soy plantings to 86.510 million acres, up from 83.6 million in 2023.

“That report really bumped up the corn market today,” Schoper said.

“We’ll see if it holds up. Farmers are waiting to move lots of unplaced corn,” he added.