Market Impact Weather

OMAHA (DTN) -- Highly variable rain forecasts in Argentina, and moderate to heavy rain for southern Brazil, are key weather items for the commodity trade's attention Wednesday.

SPARSE ARGENTINA RAIN

The DTN ag weather forecast calls for no significant rainfall for key Argentine growing areas through Friday. A weekend cold front passage may lead to scattered thunderstorms. These appear heaviest in northern Buenos Aires and Entre Rios at this time; however, there is at least some chance for heavier showers in Santa Fe and eastern Cordoba as well. Dryness and drought continues to stress filling crops, especially soybeans at this point. While some may benefit from weekend thunderstorms, many locales are likely to miss this chance. In either case, the upcoming rainfall is unlikely to significantly improve crop prospects.

SOUTHERN BRAZIL RAIN

In southern Brazil, increasing rainfall is forecast for Rio Grande do Sul during the next week. This may be somewhat unfavorable for maturing crops and could delay harvest. Farther north, Parana received showers and thunderstorms in Parana during the past 24 hours, but this area looks drier and warmer during the coming days.

LIMITED SOUTHERN PLAINS MOISTURE

The majority of the Southern Plains has no significant rainfall chances for during the next seven days. Rain will be needed for winter wheat crop development during the coming weeks to prevent significant stress to wheat and potential yield declines. Some precipitation is expected in Nebraska and northern and eastern Kansas during this time.

CHILLY BUT DRY IN NORTHERN PLAINS

Northern Plains areas have continued cool to cold condition along with dry conditions through the end of the week. This pattern offers some improvement for livestock and transportation.

WINTRY IN MIDWEST

In the Midwest, periods of rain or snow are in store for portions of the region through the next five days. Transportation delays are possible with these occurrences. The mixed precipitation will also be stressful to livestock, notably beef cow herds now in the spring calving cycle.

FAVORABLE SOUTH AFRICA PATTERN

South Africa crop areas have scattered rain showers forecast by the end of the week. Conditions are generally favorable for filling crops.

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

Follow Bryce Anderson on Twitter @BAndersonDTN

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