Heat builds in central Brazil

After a warmer start to the week, temperatures dropped in the major soybean-growing regions of Argentina in the third full week of February 2024. Since the spell of hot and dry weather that hit in January, precipitation has been hit or miss, and the third week of Feb. was the driest in 30-plus years for the province of Buenos Aires, according to data from WeatherTrends360.

Precipitation was heavier across northeastern Brazil and portions of Central Brazil, including Mato Grosso. However, after a wetter start to the week, Mato Grosso do Sul turned drier once again and this was the 3rd hottest and 3rd driest third week of Feb. in 30-plus years. The drier weather was favorable for soybean harvest and second corn crop planting; however, soil moisture desperately needs to be replenished before Brazil’s dry season arrives.

The heat is expected to intensify in Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul in the final week of Feb. 2024, week-ending March 2nd. According to forecasts from WeatherTrends360, this will be the 1st and 2nd hottest end to February in 30-plus years for Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, respectively. Precipitation will trend drier than normal but that will still amount to over one inch of rain for much of Mato Grosso do Sul and northern and western Mato Grosso.

Meanwhile, the major soybean-growing regions of Argentina will see wetter weather in the final week of Feb. which is forecast to be the 6th wettest in 30-plus years for the region. Rainfall is going to need to continue in order to replenish soil moisture that was depleted by earlier season hot and dry weather.