Rain makes return to parched farmlands in Argentina

The first full week of February 2024 brought hot conditions to many of the South American growing regions. For the major soybean-growing region of Argentina, this was the hottest first week of February in 30-plus years, according to data from WeatherTrends360. A hotter and drier start to the week gave way to relatively cooler and wetter weather later in the week.

In Brazil, this was the third- to fourth-hottest first week of February in 30-plus years, from Rio Grande do Sul to Mato Grosso. The hottest weather arrived during the second half of the week for these Brazilian states. Precipitation was generally below normal for southern Brazil, Mato Grosso do Sul, and much of Mato Grosso. Regardless, total precipitation for the week overall was one inch or more from Santa Catarina to eastern Mato Grosso. 

Moving ahead into the second week of February, week ending Feb. 17, a bit more precipitation is expected in southern Brazil with wetter than normal conditions expected. Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul will trend drier than normal, but again, this will translate into at least one inch of rain or more for most. Mato Grosso do Sul will run the biggest risk of seeing hot and drier weather. Drier weather should help to progress the soybean harvest and second corn crop planting.

For the major soybean-growing regions of Argentina, the second week of February looks much wetter. This will be one of the wettest second weeks of February in 30-plus years for the soybean-growing regions, according to forecasts from WeatherTrends360. Wetter weather should help to replenish soil moisture that may have been lost during the recent spell of hot and dry weather. Temperatures will not be as hot as the weeks prior.