Weather

OMAHA (DTN) -- Prospects for only short-term rain in central Argentina and consistent favorable precipitation chances for Brazil are the primary features for the commodity market's attention Friday.

BLUSTERY WESTERN MIDWEST

The DTN ag weather forecast calls for a blustery winter storm moving through the western Midwest to exit the region Saturday. The system has produced moderate to heavy snowfall across Iowa and Minnesota. Strong winds west of the Mississippi River are also causing transport and safety issues. Temperatures are likely to be a little more seasonal this weekend into next week. Arctic air may follow another system late next week and weekend.

WINDY AND DRY IN SOUTHERN PLAINS

Strong winds in the Southern Plains will gradually diminish on Friday. Very little precipitation is expected outside of the northeastern corner of the region through the middle of next week. Drought remains in effect over most of the region. A storm may produce moderate showers across the south near the end of next week but that is not certain yet.

COLDER NORTHERN PLAINS PATTERN

In the Northern Plains, strong winds will gradually diminish on Friday.

Temperatures are forecast to remain mostly above normal through the middle of next week before colder Arctic air moves in. This is likely to cause stress for livestock.

FAVORABLE BRAZIL RAIN PROSPECT

Across Brazil, a front moving northward will produce heavy rainfall for southern areas this weekend. Moderate to heavy rain is also in store for central crop areas. Lighter rain is indicated for eastern crop areas. Increases in soil moisture will be important as we near the beginning of winter corn (safrinha) planting.

WEEKEND RAIN FOR ARGENTINA

Central Argentina has had periods of rain during the past week, improving conditions for developing to reproductive corn and soybeans. Some additional rain is indicated through Saturday. However, the prospect for follow-up rain is quite low in the six- to 19-day period. Soil moisture benefit from the rain this week is limited.

Bryce Anderson can be reached at bryce.anderson@dtn.com

Follow him on Twitter @BAndersonDTN

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