Commodities Market Impact Weather

OMAHA (DTN) -- Crop damage potential from a central U.S. winter storm and scattered rainfall across Brazil are the key weather items for the commodity trade's attention Wednesday.

FREEZE FOR MIDWEST

The DTN ag weather forecast continues to indicate a powerful storm system to usher in a season-ending freeze in the western Midwest during late week, which will damage immature crops. Frost and freeze conditions are also in line for the region eastward to the Mississippi River. The northwestern sector will have moderate to locally heavy rain and some snow along with the cold conditions. Eastern Midwest areas will have periods of light rain, but will largely avoid the cold-temperature threat.

NORTHERN PLAINS BLIZZARD

Northern Plains crop areas have winter storm and blizzard conditions indicated through the end of the week. Heavy snow, high winds and low temperatures are in store during Thursday through Saturday. This will end the crop season, along with affecting travel, transport and harvest progress. Crop damage is also likely due to heavy snow and strong winds. The storm will also stress livestock in the Northern Rockies.

COLD SOUTHERN PLAINS FORECAST

In the Southern Plains, much colder conditions are expected during the next few days. Germination and early development of recently planted winter wheat will slow with the colder temperatures. Rain in eastern areas and mixed precipitation in the northwest will also bring some delays in wheat planting and in row-crop harvest.

PRAIRIES WINTER STORM AND COLD

A powerful winter storm continues in the late-week Canadian Prairies forecast. Heavy snow, heavy rain and very strong winds are indicated for the eastern sector. The entire region will then incur a hard freeze to end the growing season through the coming weekend. These elements will have a major impact on travel, transport and harvest, along with affecting livestock.

VARIABLE BRAZIL RAIN CHANCES

Across Brazil, more rain is needed to initiate widespread soybean planting. However, rainfall will be variable. Planting is likely to remain slow due to this minimal rainfall. Total Brazil soybean planting is off to the slowest start in six years.

SHOWERS FOR ARGENTINA

Most crop areas in Argentina have moderate rain amounts indicated through the next seven days. This moisture will be favorable for corn planting and for winter wheat.

WIDESPREAD EUROPE SHOWERS

In Europe, showers remain in the 10-day forecast, which will improve soil moisture for winter grain planting. Coverage includes recently dry areas of southeastern Europe.

WARMER IN UKRAINE

In the Black Sea region, Ukraine will have a warming trend during the next 10 days, favoring germination and establishment of winter grains. More rain would be welcome ahead of winter grain dormancy.

SCATTERED AUSTRALIA RAIN

Eastern Australia wheat areas have scattered light rainfall in the forecast through the end of the week. Light showers occurred in Western Australia during the past weekend. Wheat prospects remain diminished because of drought.

Bryce Anderson can be reached at bryce.anderson@dtn.com

Follow Bryce Anderson on Twitter @BAndersonDTN

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