Yes, Virginia, Santa Claus is real. And, disguised as Mother Nature, he may give corn and cattle producers a break this fall.

That’s according to John Feldt, meteorologist with Livestock WX. Looking at the long-term weather outlook, he says, “No doubt about it, NMME (North American Multi-Model Ensemble) temperature guidance calls for above-normal readings through the rest of the year. However, more modest readings (closer to normal) could persist over the middle of the nation in October.”

This could result in a later than normal fall freeze/frost, allowing for a longer-than-normal growing season, he says.

The precipitation outlook for October sees drought creeping in in the Southwest and West with more normal rates in the Plains and Midwest. That’s good news as beef producers look for pastures to dry out and corn growers wait to fire up the combines.

November, however, shows higher-than-average changes for precipitation to return to parts of the country that already have seen too much, according to Livestock WX. However, the dry parts of the nation could see some reprieve. Warm temperatures should continue throughout the month.

Temperatures are forecast to stay warm to wrap up the year. Precipitation for December is forecast to be above normal for parts of the Mountain West and normal for much of the rest of the nation.

Related:Black clouds, black hay: What has the weather wrought?

October Temperature Outlook

All of this seems to be positive news as we head into fall harvest and weaning. How are things holding up in your neck of the woods? Give us an update in the comments below.