Market Impact Weather

OMAHA (DTN) -- Dry conditions in Argentina, rain slowing the harvest in Brazil, and precipitation changes in the Southern Plains are the key weather items for the commodity trade's attention Wednesday.

CONTINUED ARGENTINA DROUGHT

The DTN ag weather forecast calls for dry weather in the major corn and soybean areas of Argentina to continue stressing filling corn and soybeans. Crop losses are occurring. There were some beneficial rains over this past weekend in the minor producing areas of southern Buenos Aires. No significant rain is being forecast during the next six to seven days, although temperatures are not as high as they have been.

DISRUPTIVE BRAZIL RAIN

There continues to be some disruptions to the soybean harvest in central Brazil. Rain may also delay the planting effort for second-crop corn. Soil moisture is adequate to surplus in the areas that grow most of the second-crop corn at this time. Conditions are mostly favorable for filling, maturing and any early harvesting of soybeans in southern Brazil, although there were some locally heavy showers in Rio Grande do Sul yesterday.

LIMITED SOUTHERN PLAINS WHEAT MOISTURE

Major Southern Plains wheat-producing areas will miss most of the rain forecast for the southeast and south-central areas during this week. Meanwhile, the weather will be cold, but probably not cold enough to cause significant damage to wheat.

HARSH NORTHERN PLAINS COLD

In the Northern Plains, the Dakotas look to be drier during this week with no significant transportation delays. Stress due to very cold weather and high wind chills continues for at least a few more days. Snow or ice may at times lead to transport delays in the Iowa/Minnesota area during the next three to five days.

EASTERN MIDWEST FLOODING

In the eastern and southern Midwest and Delta, heavy rain and potential flooding could cause transportation problems during the rest of this week.

HARD FREEZE WARNING IN CALIFORNIA

In the far West, a hard freeze warning is in effect for central California. This is likely to affect produce and may also cause some damage to citrus, but probably only a minor impact at this time.

FAVORABLE SOUTH AFRICA TREND

In South Africa, episodes of showers and thunderstorms will continue to affect the region during the next three to five days. Heavy rainfall totals may occur in north and east areas. This maintains adequate to surplus soil moisture for crops, but it may also lead to local flooding. Further rain at this point is neutral at best for filling crops and may be somewhat unfavorable if it leads to severe flooding and/or increased disease pressure.

Elaine Shein can be reached at elaine.shein@dtn.com

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