Commodities Market Impact Weather

OMAHA (DTN) -- Snow and cold conditions in the Midwest through the end of the week and close watching on rain chances in Russia wheat areas are the key weather items for the commodity trade's attention Thursday.

WINTRY MIDWEST PATTERN

The DTN ag weather forecast calls for late-winter conditions in the Midwest through the end of the week. Temperatures will be well-below normal for the next couple of days. This puts a stop to fieldwork. Moderate rain and snow will be possible over the southern Midwest Thursday and Friday.

SHOWERS FOR SOUTHERN PLAINS

Southern Plains rain chances are increasing during the next seven days. Light-to-moderate rain offers some benefit for winter wheat. Temperatures will moderate after dropping to damaging levels for jointing wheat early this week.

MILD NORTHERN PLAINS FORECAST

In the Northern Plains, a drier and warmer trend is forecast in the next 10 days, offering improved prospects for spring fieldwork. Further progress in the very late corn harvest in North Dakota is also likely. The more moderate trend will favor livestock as well.

BRIEF DELTA DRYING

The Delta will see light rain during the balance of this week, which may offer some planting progress opportunity. Moderate rain returns to the region over the coming weekend. Next week offers periods of rain which will slow down progress.

VARIABLE BRAZIL PROSPECTS

Weather conditions in Brazil continue to be variable. Southern Brazil crop areas have continued dryness, which brings ideas of further reduction in soybean and corn crop sizes. Central areas have scattered showers with possible stress to safrinha (second-crop) corn as the dry season sets in.

SCATTERED ARGENTINA SHOWERS

Central Argentina continues with light showers in the forecast during the coming week. Corn and soybean harvest should have only minor disruption with the light precipitation.

LIGHT RUSSIA RAIN FORECAST

In the Black Sea region, rainfall in Russia and Ukraine is indicated to be light to moderate -- a reduction from forecasts earlier in the week. This bears close watching due to a lack of precipitation so far this spring. Precipitation in the region since March 1 is the lowest in 30 years according to USDA. This dryness emphasizes the need for precipitation as wheat moves farther into its development stages following dormancy.

SHOWERS FOR AUSTRALIA

Light-to-moderate rain is indicated for Australian wheat areas over the next week. Coverage is forecast to be widespread in Western Australia and more scattered in eastern areas. The rain would add to soil moisture improvement for wheat areas as sowing begins. Rain has caused some quality damage to harvested summer crops.

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

Follow him on Twitter @BAndersonDTN

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