Market Impact Weather

OMAHA (DTN) -- Scattered rainfall to continue in Argentina, and more favorable conditions across Brazil, are the key weather items for the commodity trade's attention Wednesday.

SCATTERED ARGENTINA THUNDERSTORMS

The DTN ag weather forecast calls for scattered thunderstorms to alternate with periods of heat in central Argentina over the next week. The focus of storm formation will be over Cordoba, Santa Fe and northern Buenos Aires. Rainfall is beneficial for developing crops. However, there also is the potential for crop stress due to hot conditions. The pattern is not ideal; however, as long as storms form, heat stress should be limited. Drier conditions are indicated for the southwestern areas, including La Pampa and western Buenos Aires.

CONTINUED CENTRAL BRAZIL SHOWERS

Central Brazil continues to see periods of rainfall along with seasonal temperatures. This combination is favorable for crops.

FAVORABLE SOUTHERN BRAZIL CONDITIONS

Crop conditions in southern Brazil are much improved going into the end of the calendar year 2017. Rainfall over the Christmas weekend in Rio Grande do Sul will ease any concerns that may have been building during the past week or two. Meanwhile, mostly favorable growing conditions are in effect in Parana and Mato Grosso do Sul. There should be another chance for beneficial rainfall in Rio Grande do Sul Sunday into Monday.

MIDWEST COLD WAVE

In the Midwest, a cold and dry pattern is in store through the next week into early 2018. Transportation will be affected. Winter wheat does not appear to be in line for cold-weather damage, however.

BITTER COLD IN NORTHERN PLAINS

In the Northern Plains, extreme cold will increase stress to livestock through the New Year’s weekend. Snow may occur through a portion of the region, but overall will not be a major event.

COLD AND DRY FOR SOUTHERN PLAINS

Harsh cold, with minimum temperatures reaching below zero Fahrenheit, is in store for northern and central areas of the Southern Plains this coming weekend. This has the potential to cause damage to unprotected winter wheat, especially in southern Nebraska and north-central Kansas, but possibly becoming more widespread.

VARIABLE SOUTH AFRICA TRENDS

In South Africa, scattered thundershowers through southern and eastern areas will maintain favorable conditions for developing maize and sugarcane in these locations. Northwest areas are trending drier and hotter.

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

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