Early Spring Arrival Impacts Agriculture and Ecosystems in Missouri
• Spring is arriving 3-5 weeks earlier than average in central US, impacting agriculture and ecosystems.
• Missouri farmer Joe Lau notes increased extreme weather, pest pressure, and allergy issues due to early spring.
• Climate Central analysis shows leaves emerging 6 days earlier on average in 88% of major U.S. cities, indicating a clear trend.
Early spring impacts agriculture and ecosystems
The early arrival of spring is significantly impacting agriculture and ecosystems in Missouri, mirroring a broader trend across the central and southern Midwest regions of the United States. The USA National Phenology Network reports that spring has sprung three to five weeks ahead of the 1991-2020 average in the central U.S., and two to three weeks early in southern Midwest states. This accelerated seasonal shift is bringing tangible changes to agriculture, ecosystems, and human health.
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