Weather

MINNEAPOLIS (DTN) -- Active weather in the U.S., slow snowmelt in the Northern Plains, and isolated rains in central Brazil are the weather factors driving the markets Thursday.

ANOTHER STRONG STORM FOR THE MIDWEST

Another strong storm will move through the Midwest on Thursday into Saturday with widespread precipitation, severe storms, strong winds, and a band of snow across the north as we turn the calendar to April. A similar storm system is forecast for next week. The wetter conditions across a lot of the region are causing a slow start to fieldwork.

CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN PLAINS WITH LIMITED SHOWERS, STRONG WINDS

A larger storm builds across the Central and Southern Plains Thursday into Friday. Northern and eastern areas again look to have the best chance for precipitation while strong winds develop elsewhere, sapping soil moisture. The outlook for the southwestern Plains remains grim as this area gets missed by yet another large storm. A similar large storm is expected next week that should bring much of the same conditions as the storm this week.

SNOWPACK SLOW TO MELT IN NORTHERN PLAINS AND CANADIAN PRAIRIES

Some occasional snow continues in the Northern Plains and Canadian Prairies Thursday, but a heavier band will form in South Dakota on Friday that could add to the snowpack. Cold temperatures will limit melting for yet another week and the risk of significant flooding is increasing when temperatures do turn higher, perhaps abruptly.

MORE SHOWERS HEADING FOR DELTA

The Delta will see more showers come through with a stronger system Thursday night and Friday. Another storm system is forecast to do the same for next week. The frequent precipitation is keeping fields wet and fieldwork slow.

SHOWERS ISOLATED FOR CENTRAL BRAZIL

Wet season showers have become isolated through central Brazil and are forecast to remain that way through April, leaving some concern for enough available soil moisture for developing safrinha corn. Systems moving through Argentina will bring showers into southern Brazil, however, which may enhance showers there at times.

MORE RAIN IN ARGENTINA

Argentina continues to be active with several more fronts moving through with more showers going into April. Heavy rain last week and this week is too late to turn around damaged corn and soybeans. Temperatures look to waffle a bit more as fall harvest time nears.

COLDER TEMPERATURES COMING TO EUROPE

An active weather pattern continues to bring widespread showers through most of Europe through the weekend. Spain and Italy will miss out on more of the precipitation, which it needs as it has been much drier over the last few months. After a warm start to spring in March, temperatures are trending below normal as we move into April, which may cause some cooler morning temperatures and localized frosts, along with slower development of winter grains.

GOOD GROWING CONDITIONS CONTINUE FOR BLACK SEA

Periods of showers will move through the Black Sea region through next week, but also come with cooler temperatures for Ukraine, which may slow development of winter grains. Overall, though, growing conditions are mostly favorable.

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

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