Storms Cool Temperatures, Bring Some Relief

Scattered rain and snow showers throughout areas of Idaho, Montana, Colorado and Oregon are helping the dry springtime conditions.

Prior to the last low pressure system that brought the relief, temperatures were hitting the 60s and70s, even in some high-elevation locations in Idaho. This was drying out soil and keeping farm operations dusty.

High winds Tuesday and Wednesday across the Snake River Plain slowed some operations but weren't expected to damage crops. Growers with beets in the full two-leaf stage believed their crops will be protected by any frosts which might follow the storms.

Northern Colorado is also in continued drought. Some growers are expected to have to shut down wells to help aquifer levels. Growers in northeastern and eastern Colorado have already lost 65 percent of their winter wheat crop.