Commodities Market Impact Weather

MINNEAPOLIS (DTN) -- Another big storm system and a blast of arctic air in the U.S., continued good weather in most of South America, but a drier stretch coming to central Brazil are the weather factors driving the markets Thursday.

MIDWEST PREPARING FOR ANOTHER MAJOR WINTER STORM, ARCTIC COLD

A weak system continues to bring some light snow to the Midwest Thursday across the Great Lakes. Another large storm will follow a similar path to the early-week storm for Thursday night through Saturday, which will largely hit the same areas as the first with another round of heavy snow and strong winds that should create blizzard conditions in some areas. That system will bring a blast of arctic air into the region that should last through next weekend, which also means lake-effect snow.

SNOW, FREEZING RAIN, AND DEEP COLD FOR CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN PLAINS

Another major winter storm will develop in the Central and Southern Plains on Thursday, and though the precipitation will be widespread and the track will be similar to the one earlier this week, the impacts from this storm are forecast to be less than the one that occurred earlier this week. Only some limited areas of moderate to heavy snow are forecast into Friday, mainly across the north, but stronger winds will blow the snow around and the storm will bring in extremely cold, arctic air for most areas. Models differ on the details of the cold and how long it will last, but is likely to stick around through next weekend. A third system will form Sunday into Monday for the region, mainly across the south, though models disagree with this as well. It could mean heavy snow and potential freezing rain in Oklahoma and Texas.

ARCTIC AIR DEEPENING IN THE NORTHERN PLAINS

A blast of arctic air is moving into the Northern Plains and will likely stick around through next weekend before moderating. The harsh cold will necessitate additional feed for livestock and the quick snap in temperatures could be extra stressful.

MORE HEAVY RAIN, POTENTIAL WINTER STORM FOR DELTA

Another large storm will bring a round of showers and thunderstorms through the Delta on Friday but will be followed by a burst of arctic air. That could set the stage for a major winter storm for Sunday and Monday that would bring ice and snow to at least northern areas if not most of the region. Models disagree on its development, though. The heavy precipitation with these storms is favorable for further reducing drought and building up water levels in the Mississippi River system.

RAINFALL WANING IN CENTRAL BRAZIL, PICKING UP FARTHER SOUTH

Scattered showers will continue in central Brazil through the weekend, though the coverage and intensity are weakening from east to west. Those showers will still be in the region next week, however they should be very isolated, causing some discussion about further damage to soybeans and a lack of soil moisture for the coming safrinha corn crop. Across the south, waves of showers are moving through the region this week and should continue for most of next week, favorable for filling soybeans and developing other crops. Some of the areas like Mato Grosso do Sul and Sao Paulo that have been drier will see much better rainfall.

MORE SHOWERS FOR ARGENTINA

Heavier rain continues in northern Argentina Thursday as a front slowly slides northward. The recent widespread rainfall continues to favor developing corn and soybeans. Additional waves of showers are forecast across the country through at least the middle of next week, which maintains the overall favorable conditions. Models disagree on whether or not it gets drier starting late next week, but the country is still in really good position.

EUROPE STAYING ACTIVE

Recent rains across southern Europe have been favorable for vegetative winter wheat in Spain and Italy. The pattern stays active across the continent with more storm systems next week that could be more widespread across the region.

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

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