Commodities Market Impact Weather

Teresa Deutchman
Meteorologist

MINNEAPOLIS (DTN) -- Very cold air from the polar vortex moving through the U.S., a change in the pattern for next week, and limited rains in the southern half of South America are the weather factors driving the markets Friday.

COLD AND WINDY FOR MIDWEST, TEMPERATURES RISING NEXT WEEK

An arm of the polar vortex continues to bring very cold temperatures through the Midwest over the next several days. A burst of snow moved through Thursday and will continue to sweep through eastern areas early Friday. Winds have increased significantly, creating dangerous wind chills and blowing snow. Lake-effect snows will continue through the weekend. The cold could potentially cause some winterkill for areas that did not get adequate snowfall. The blast of cold air will not last long though, with temperatures rising next week.

INTENSE COLD FOR CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN PLAINS ENDING ON CHRISTMAS

The polar vortex is fully entrenched with cold temperatures in the Central and Southern Plains. Some snow fell in parts of the region, but not enough to protect vulnerable wheat from winterkill. 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, TEMPERATURES RISING NEXT WEEK

Well-below-normal temperatures will continue in the Northern Plains through the weekend before moderating next week. Winds remain breezy in the Dakotas but will diminish 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 Mississippi River due to recent precipitation. A system this week sent snowfall through the northern half of the Delta region Thursday with a blast of arctic air following. But the cold will not last long as temperatures rise next week. It could become quite active across the eastern half of the country next week, which will continue to ward off declines in the river levels into the new year.

ONLY LIMITED SHOWERS FOR SOUTHERN 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 BEFORE TURNING DRY AGAIN

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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