Commodities Market Impact Weather

Brief, Intense Cold Settling in for Christmas

MINNEAPOLIS (DTN) -- Very cold air from the polar vortex moving through the U.S. and some rain moving through the southern half of South America are the weather factors driving the markets Thursday.

COLD AND WINDY FOR MIDWEST

An arm of the polar vortex is moving through the Midwest over the next couple of days with a strong arctic front pushing through. A system forming along the front will bomb out over eastern sections, creating strong winds and blizzard conditions where snow is falling. Heavy lake-effect snows will follow through the weekend. The cold could potentially cause some winter kill for areas that do not get adequate snowfall. The blast of cold air will not last long, though, with temperatures moderating next week.

BRIEF, INTENSE COLD FOR CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN PLAINS

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The polar vortex is surging into the Plains Thursday and Friday with very cold temperatures moving through. The strong front is also producing some snowfall in the region, but it may not be enough to protect vulnerable wheat from winter kill. The cold blast does not last long, though, with temperatures moderating over the weekend and warming above normal next week.

COLD AND WINDY FOR NORTHERN PLAINS

Well below temperatures will continue in the Northern Plains through the weekend before moderating next week. Winds will stay strong into Friday. Conditions continue to be harsh for livestock for another few days before improving next week.

RIVER LEVELS STILL UP FOR LOWER MISSISSIPPI

Water levels continue to improve on the Lower Mississippi River due to recent precipitation. A system this week is sending snowfall through the region Thursday with a blast of arctic air, but that will not last long as temperatures moderate early next week. Next week could become quite active across the eastern half of the country, which will continue to ward off declines in the river levels into the new year.

FAVORABLE WEATHER IN MOST OF BRAZIL

Scattered showers will continue in central and northern Brazil for at least the next two weeks, as is typical for this time of year. Soybeans remain in mostly favorable condition, though dryness across the far south is a little concerning for both corn and soybeans that are in reproductive stages. A cold front will move into the south over the weekend with showers into next week. The front is expected to move north of Rio Grande do Sul, which could remain dry and see conditions worsen for corn and soybeans.

BRIEF SHOWERS FOR ARGENTINA

A cold front will bring some brief showers to Argentina Friday and Saturday, but push north into Paraguay and Brazil on Sunday. The brief shot of showers will at least be widespread, which may improve conditions and planting progress somewhat for both corn and soybeans. The front will also leave the country with some cooler conditions next week, but it will still be dry and conditions will not improve significantly until showers are more consistent.

John Baranick can be reached at john.baranick@dtn.com

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