Drew Lerner, Author at World Weather

Harsh Central U.S. Weather Reduces Wheat Recovery Potential

Kansas City, March 16 (World Weather Inc.) – The central U.S. windstorm lived up to every bit of its potential Friday into Saturday. Two more bouts of excessive wind are likely in the central and southern Plains in this next week and both will come with additional very low humidity, blowing dust and some additional wild temperature swings. All of this describes a classic drought pattern and concern is steadily rising that the Great Plains may be facing a serious dryness issue if changes do not occur soon. Winter wheat is losing potential to recover from the damage incurred by bitter cold temperatures in January with little to no snow on the ground. This raises the potential that production could be down significantly if late March and April do not provide wetter and milder weather.

China Planting Prospects Improving As Rain Persists

Kansas City, March 14 (World Weather Inc.) – Rainfall expanded for several areas near and south of the Yangtze River in recent days. Several locations received enough rain to bolster soil moisture that is needed as early-season planting normally begins in March. Several areas in southern China are still struggling with moisture deficits and additional rain is needed for ideal establishment. Southern China and the Yangtze River Basin will continue to see a good mix of rain and dry weather through the end of next week that will either further improve planting prospects or support a good environment for planting. Winter rapeseed conditions in the Yangtze River Basin will remain favorable as well. Winter wheat prospects in the North China Plain will be relatively good as well despite the region trending drier than normal through at least the end of next week.