Market Impact Weather

OMAHA (DTN) -- Favorable moisture and temperatures in central Brazil, and an uncertain Southern Plains rain prospect, are the key weather items for the commodity trade's attention Wednesday.

VARIABLE MIDWEST TEMPERATURES

The DTN ag weather forecast calls for variable temperatures across the Midwest during the next week to 10 days. In the short term, values ranging below to much below normal will curtail soil warming and field work. However, the six-to-10-day period offers a round of milder conditions with warmer temperatures and some improvement in spring fieldwork potential.

DECREASING SOUTHERN PLAINS MOISTURE

Southern Plains soil moisture continues to decline. This is very stressful for wheat and pastures. The chances for meaningful rainfall in the region are rather limited during the next week to 10 days. Forecast models suggest a slightly higher chance for precipitation during the 10-15-day time frame; however, this is uncertain.

DRY FOR NORTHERN AREAS

Northern Plains and Canadian Prairies crop areas will have no significant weather to affect livestock or transport during the next five days. A primary feature is a dry pattern, which may offer some easing of flood potential in the eastern Prairies.

DELTA FREEZE

A freeze warning is in effect for many areas from the southern Midwest and the Delta to the southeast U.S. The concern is that crops that are ahead of normal development due to very warm February and early March weather would be affected, especially fruit trees in bloom but also other crops well ahead of normal development.

DRY PATTERN IN CANADIAN PRAIRIES

The Canadian Prairies will be mainly dry over the next five days. This pattern will allow for some slight easing of flood risk in eastern areas.

CENTRAL BRAZIL SHOWERS

Across Brazil, a moderate to heavy rain continues in the forecast through the balance of the week. The rain will focus on central Brazil, and will be mostly favorable for soil moisture in second-crop corn areas. Soybean harvest impact is expected to be minimal due to excellent progress.

MILD IN ARGENTINA

In Argentina, central crop areas have mild temperatures for filling row crops. Recent assessments indicate larger crop size than earlier-season projections.

AUSTRALIA EXTREMES

Eastern Australia's crop season has been marked by extremes in heat and precipitation. Intense midsummer heat and dryness were stressful to sorghum and cotton after a favorable start to the growing season. Recent rainfall and cooler conditions helped to ease stress. However, very heavy, flooding rain during the first part of this week has caused some extensive damage, with harvest disruptions, quality loss and possible acreage loss.

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

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