Commodities Market Impact Weather

OMAHA (DTN) -- A weekend storm for the Midwest, with possible heavy snow in places, and generally favorable crop conditions in South America, are the key weather items for the commodity trade's attention Wednesday.

WEEKEND STORM FOR MIDWEST

The DTN ag weather forecast calls for mostly dry weather and a somewhat more variable temperature pattern to favor the remaining harvest in the northwest Midwest. A new rain or snow event is expected from the south and east areas of the western Midwest through the eastern Midwest during the weekend. This is likely to again slow fieldwork in these areas.

VARIABLE TEMPERATURES FOR SOUTHERN PLAINS

The Southern Plains will have a variable temperature pattern with not much precipitation during the next seven days, except possibly in southern Nebraska, north and east Kansas with a system this weekend. Episodes of colder weather slows winter wheat development. Soil moisture supplies are quite favorable due to prior rains.

CONTINUED FAVORABLE BRAZIL TREND

Central Brazil crop areas will have favorable weather for developing soybeans in central Brazil. Episodes of scattered thunderstorms and mostly warm weather will favor recently planted soybeans and corn in southern Brazil, while causing some delay to fieldwork at times.

MORE FAVORABLE PATTERN FOR ARGENTINA

Prior heavy rains in central Argentina will have disrupted and delayed corn and soybean planting and may force some replanting. There's a somewhat more favorable weather pattern for planting during the next seven days, although tonight and Thursday some fields may see locally heavy thundershowers.

ACTIVE WEATHER PATTERN FOR EUROPE

An active southern storm track in Europe means favorable moisture conditions for developing of winter grains and oilseeds in Spain and Italy and improving moisture supplies for these crops in the Balkan states. Colder weather will, at times, slow development. Snow in southeast Europe affects transport. Dryness remains a concern for winter grains and oilseeds in and near Germany.

BENEFICIAL MOISTURE FOR UKRAINE, RUSSIA

Beneficial moisture overspread Moldova and south Ukraine during Monday, helping to replenish soil moisture following recent dryness concerns. Precipitation also spread into south Russia, maintaining more favorable soil moisture for winter grains in that location. Colder weather slows or halts development of winter grains at this time.

EASTERN AUSTRALIA SHOWERS

Australia had light-to-moderate showers and thundershowers through southeast and east areas yesterday and continues today. Rainfall will be somewhat unfavorable for mature wheat and wheat harvests, but will favor development of sorghum and cotton.

WEEKEND CHINA RAIN

There was moderate precipitation through the Yangtze River valley and the southern portion of the North China Plain during the weekend. Precipitation continues to recharge soil moisture for pre-winter development while also leading to some delay in seasonal fieldwork.

NORTH INDIA DRY WEATHER

Seasonably dry weather across north India continued to promote winter (rabi) crop planting, although wheat sowing was delayed due to the slow pace of cotton and rice harvesting.

SOUTH INDIA FLOODING

South India had severe flooding due to heavy rain from Tropical Cyclone Gaja late last week. Unharvested summer crops and recently planted winter crops likely incurred damage. Lives and property were also at risk due to the severe flooding and high winds associated with this cyclone. A new disturbance may bring more rain to Tamil Nadu and Kerala during the next one to three days.

SOUTH AFRICA SHOWERS

South Africa crop areas had scattered showers and thundershowers move over south and central maize areas Monday and the balance of the region Tuesday.

Cooler weather has moved into the area. This will help improve conditions for planting and early development, somewhat. The region may see another cold front passage this coming weekend.

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

(ES/)

Copyright 2018 DTN/The Progressive Farmer. All rights reserved.