Commodities Market Impact Weather

OMAHA (DTN) -- A short-term intense cold wave over the central U.S., and continued rounds of moderate to heavy rain in South America, are the key weather items for the commodity trade's attention Thursday.

HARSH MIDWEST COLD

The DTN ag weather forecast calls for much lower temperatures to cover the Midwest through the end of the week, along with a generally drier pattern. Dry conditions improve harvest prospects; however, the cold weather will be stressful to people and machinery. Some local fields in the west and north may experience some snow or snow squalls associated with the cold snap. The drier pattern may continue longer-range along with a warming trend.

SNOW AND FREEZE FOR SOUTHERN PLAINS

In the Southern Plains, hard freeze conditions will cover most of the region during late week, possibly damaging early-developing wheat. Periods of rain and snow will also hinder winter wheat planting along with row crop harvest.

SNOW FOR NORTHERN PLAINS

In the Northern Plains, a round of snow and rain during the rest of the week will disrupt harvest. Snow is most likely over western portions of the region.

ADDITIONAL RAIN FOR BRAZIL

Brazil crop area forecasts continue to feature periods of rainfall, heaviest in the northern states. The general trend is beneficial for developing soybeans and summer corn.

HEAVY ARGENTINA RAIN FORECAST

In central Argentina, There remains a significant risk for heavy to severe thunderstorms at the end of this week. Rainfall may be very heavy in some of these storms. Such an occurrence would likely mean local flooding and it would lead to delays in planting progress.

IMPROVING EUROPE TREND

Across Europe, periods of rain over the past two weeks have been favorable for bringing some easing of drought conditions incurred during the past summer.

BENEFICIAL BLACK SEA WARMTH

Russia and Ukraine have beneficial conditions for winter grain establishment. USDA's weekly crop and weather bulletin notes that the past week featured sunny skies and above-normal temperatures. After rainfall the previous week, drier and warmer pattern encouraged a rapid pace of summer crop harvesting and accelerated winter wheat development over most of the major growing areas. Temperatures as much as 6 degrees Celsius above normal in Ukraine and Russia encouraged wheat establishment before the arrival of the region's typically harsh winter weather.

HOTTER FOR SOUTH AFRICA

In South Africa, a new period of dry and hot conditions is forecast through the weekend. Soil moisture will diminish and planting progress may slow under this pattern.

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

Follow him on Twitter @BAndersonDTN

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