Oct 07, 2024
Increased Chances of Rainfall Forecasted for Central Brazil
Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.
Central Brazil has suffered under hot and dry conditions since May, with temperatures reaching as high as 100 to 108°F, but the forecast is calling for a change in the weather pattern starting this week.
Only widely scattered light showers fell in central Brazil last week, but more widespread showers are falling in central Brazil this week and they are expected to increase in the 10-15 day period. Rainfall amounts in central Brazil are expected to be 1-2 inches with more in the longer-range forecast. Lessor amounts are expected in northern and northeastern Brazil.
The Brazilian National Weather Service (Inmet) reported that September 2024 was the hottest in 63 years since 1961. The medium temperature nationwide during September was 25.9°C (78.6°F) compared to the long-term average of 24.2°C (75.5°F) or a difference of 3.1°F. The state of Mato Grosso was the epicenter of the hot weather in central Brazil. The city of Cuiaba, which is the capital of Mato Grosso, had more days in September with the highest daily temperature than any other city in Brazil.
The rainfall cannot come soon enough for farmers waiting to start planting their 2024/25 soybeans. As of last Friday, farmers in Mato Grosso, which is Brazil's largest soybean producing state, had planted 2.0% of their anticipated soybeans. If the weather cooperates, farmers in Mato Grosso can plant approximately 15% of their soybeans per week.
In contrast to central Brazil, southern Brazil has been receiving rain over the last several weeks allowing farmers to plant their first corn crop and get started on soybean planting. More rain is in the forecast for southern Brazil especially for the state of Rio Grande do Sul.
As of late last week, farmers in the state of Parana had planted over 60% of their first corn crop and 26% of their soybeans. In Rio Grande do Sul, farmers have planted 50% of their corn.