Sep 29, 2023
Showers Returning to Central Brazil After 90 Days of Dry Weather
Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.
After 90 days without any significant precipitation, rainfall returned to central Brazil this week, but coverage was spotty and amounts were irregular. Recent record high temperatures in the range of 105 to 110°F made the need for rainfall even more urgent.
The rains improved the soil moisture where the heavier amounts fell, but much more is needed to replenish the depleted soil moisture. The heavier amounts were recorded in Mato Grosso and Goias. The Brazilian National Weather Service (Inmet) is forecasting more chances of rain over the next few days with amounts of 20 to 30 mm (0.8 to 1.2 inches) with the possibility of high winds and even the possibility of hail. Rainfall amounts and coverage should increase in central Brazil starting the second week of October.
This is a somewhat slow start to the summer rainy season in central Brazil, but if the intensity and coverage increases in early October, there is still time to plant the 2023/24 soybeans in a timely manner.
In contrast to central Brazil, far southern Brazil has been inundated with heavy rains for about the past month, especially in the state of Rio Grande do Sul which has experienced severe flooding and widespread damage. Unfortunately, more rain is in the forecast for Rio Grande do Sul.
As of late last week, Brazilian farmers had planted 1.9% of their 2023/24 soybeans with Mato Grosso 1.8% planted. The state of Parana leads the way with 10.6% of the soybeans planted as of earlier this week.