MANHATTAN, Kan. – A repeat of last August’s garden-searing weather is "unlikely," according to state climatologist Mary Knapp.

"Long-term forecasts are calling for more favorable growing conditions [this year] – depending, of course, on how the temperatures and moisture are actually distributed. On the whole, however, June through August should be cooler than normal with near-normal rainfall," said Knapp, who’s based with Kansas State University’s Research and Extension programs.

This weather outlook doesn’t eliminate the possibility of 100 F days, the climatologist warned. It also could bring its own challenges.

"Conditions that favor crop development also tend to favor growth in insect populations, because those two things generally evolved together in the same climate zones," Knapp said. "If day-to-day conditions vary a lot, that can foster plant disease outbreaks, as well."

Temperatures that average just a few degrees cooler than normal can affect vegetable growth, she added. For example, tomatoes can take longer to ripen. When that happens, however, corn and beans often produce bumper crops.

"We already know one positive aspect for the season ahead," Knapp said. "Last winter’s cold weather is why we haven’t seen many insect problems yet. Even if conditions ahead are favorable, many insects will need awhile to rebuild to significant population size."