1.   Even farmers in the wettest areas of Missouri and Ohio are likely to push ahead this week, after intense heat and high winds this weekend dried many fields.

2.   Meanwhile, warm, dry weather lingered for much of the Midwest again today, drying fields for spring planting and spurring development of already sown crops.

3.   Play began almost an hour after lunch after the groundstaff and a local tour helicopter helped dry the field.

4.   Dozens of Sri Lankan ground staff are trying to dry the field with brooms and sponges.

5.   The game started later after officials tried to dry the field, soggy from overnight rain.

6.   The team borrowed field tarps and heaters from Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh to protect and dry the field.

7.   Warm, dry weather, which helps dry the fields, is best for harvesting.

8.   Wind and sunshine helped dry the field Monday.