Compared to the twelve-year average, VHI departure in the North American MPZ (figure 2.2) displays various patterns in the central United States. In Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma, VHI in 2013/14was above average, especially in spring and autumn season; after autumn, VHI decreased sharply to become average. In Canada, the south of Alberta,Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, the Great Lakes, and the east coastal region of the United States (Indiana, Ohio, South Carolina, and Georgia), VHI was slightly above average, increasing sharply after October. In Wisconsin, Iowa, and Montana, as well as in scattered areas in Texas, VHI was abnormally lower than the reference value between May and September; it increased sharply after October. For the major regions of central and western United States (such as Nebraska, Wyoming,Kansas, and Colorado), VHI was below the twelve-year average during the period from March to July and sharply increased after July. During the period from October 2013 to January 2014, large areas of un cropped arable lands were distributed in Canada and in North Dakota in the United States, resulting from the harvest of summer crops when spring crops have not yet been planted.

Also over the monitoring period, all winter wheat planting has been completed, with the largest VCI values occurring in Kansas, Nebraska, and Kentucky. Maximum VCI is well above normal, due to near normal rainfall,temperature, and PAR. In the east and south regions, maximum VCI is low due to abnormal winter storms.