Areas of Heavy Rain Remain Possible Today in Southern US

MINNEAPOLIS (DTN) — Isolated to scattered showers will continue across central and southern Brazil this weekend while dry conditions remain likely for Argentina. The southern U.S. will see more rainfall today into Saturday before drier conditions return early next week. These are the weather factors driving Friday markets.

SIGNIFICANT WARM-UP ON THE WAY ACROSS MIDWEST

Multiple rounds of precipitation have impacted eastern areas this week. Persistent rains and warmer temperatures have melted snow and led to some waterways reaching flood levels, especially across Illinois. More rainfall will tag eastern areas this weekend and again early next week. By the middle of next week, drier conditions will return. Above- to well-above-normal temperatures are expected through the midweek and northern areas could see temperatures rise 20-25 degrees Fahrenheit above normal.

CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN PLAINS TURN DRIER THROUGH THE WEEKEND

Above-normal temperatures will continue across the Central Plains through the middle of next week, but temperatures could trend slightly cooler across Texas through early next week. Warmer temperatures will likely reduce any snowpack in Kansas and Nebraska. Recent areas of heavy rainfall in eastern Texas have helped improve soil moisture in the region. Rainfall is also favorable for winter wheat. One more round of rain is possible Friday into Saturday before conditions dry out for the first half of next week.

A FEW LIGHT SHOWERS RETURN FOR THE NORTHERN PLAINS

Mostly dry conditions are expected through this weekend, but a weak system from Canada will tag the region on Monday. After Monday’s system, mostly dry conditions are expected through the middle of next week. Above- to well-above-normal temperatures will also continue through the beginning of February and lead to mild conditions for livestock. The warmer temperatures will likely reduce the snowpack through the next week as well.

ONE MORE ROUND OF RAIN FOR THE DELTA

Persistent rain showers, some heavy at times, have led to saturated soil across the region. Water levels along the Mississippi River will receive a boost and increase transportation for at least a little while. Temperatures will continue to be above normal next week across much of the region and well-above-normal temperatures are expected in northern areas. More rain showers will tag the region through early this weekend, but drier conditions will return through much of next week.

SHOWERS CONTINUE ACROSS SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL BRAZIL

Isolated to scattered rain showers will continue across central and southern areas. However, precipitation is favored to be below normal into next week. The more isolated showers may allow for harvest progress to continue, but for soybeans that are still maturing, more rainfall would be beneficial. Any rain showers will also benefit soil moisture for safrinha corn planting which should start up shortly.

SHOWERS RETURN TO CENTRAL ARGENTINA NEXT WEEK

An extended dry period will continue across the main growing areas through at least early next week as any notable precipitation will stay off to the west and south. Better chances for precipitation will return by the middle of next week. Recent reports have suggested the percentage of corn and soybeans in good and excellent condition has trended down over the past week given the mostly dry conditions. Warmer temperatures next week may stress crops if rain showers aren’t widespread.

SOUTHERN EUROPE REMAINING DRY

Precipitation has been limited across Spain and Italy for vegetative wheat this week as most of the precipitation has remained confined to northern Europe. Dry conditions will persist early next week, and the vegetative wheat could use more precipitation. Temperatures are expected to be above normal across much of the continent through next week.

HEAVY RAIN AND FLOODING POSSIBLE IN NORTHEAST AUSTRALIA

Tropical Cyclone Kirrily made landfall in eastern Queensland on Thursday. Heavy rainfall may accompany the tropical cyclone and lead to areas of flooding in eastern and northern areas, threatening the conditions of developing cotton and sorghum. Meanwhile, southern parts of Australia will turn drier and cooler this weekend.

Teresa Wells can be reached at teresa.deutchman@dtn.com.