Scattered thunderstorms moved through the Midwest this past weekend, yet crucial dry zones-particularly from southern Iowa through northern Missouri and into northern Illinois-remain largely untouched. Multiple storm systems forecasted for this and next week may finally deliver moisture. However, with these arriving as isolated storm clusters, coverage could remain uneven. Southern areas already saturated may face further delays in remaining planting and fieldwork, challenging farm-to-table timelines and increasing input costs.

A short heat burst this weekend may aid field drying in some regions, offering a window for planting or pesticide application.

Central and Southern Plains: Water Helps Corn and Forage, But Wheat at Risk

The Central and Southern Plains received another round of heavy storms over the weekend. While eastern Nebraska and northeastern Kansas still need more rain, much of the region saw generous moisture-beneficial for corn, soybeans, and forage development. However, continued wetness could soon hinder wheat harvests, adding risk to commodity prices and increasing crop loss potential.

Upcoming systems this week will bring more rainfall, though in more isolated patterns, gradually shifting north-favorable for maturing wheat but potentially missing drought-stressed corn and soybean fields.

Northern Plains & Canadian Prairies: Timely Rain Boosts Soil Moisture

Severe weekend storms brought much-needed rain to the drier zones of the Northern Plains, a critical improvement for soil health and crop emergence. Forecast models show multiple rounds of storms continuing through next week, which should sustain adequate soil moisture and support crop development in both the U.S. and Canada's western provinces.

Meanwhile, in the Canadian Prairies, weekend systems favored the west. Northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, still dry, may get rain from an upcoming system expected late this week-vital for wheat and canola, which have begun showing yield stress due to dry weather.

Global Weather Watch: Droughts Threaten Exporters

Brazil
Southern Brazil saw rains over maturing safrinha corn-now a hindrance to harvest-but helped establish winter wheat in Rio Grande do Sul. More showers are forecasted, likely favoring wheat over corn, balancing food security and yield risks.

Europe
Western Europe received scattered rainfall in parts of France, Germany, and the UK-too late for winter wheat but useful for spring crops. However, a hotter, drier week ahead could worsen maize stress across already dry regions, raising commodity market volatility in Europe.

Black Sea Region
Spotty rain helped some drought-stricken zones in the southern and eastern Black Sea region. However, it's too late for winter wheat, and corn still faces significant moisture deficits. Cooler temperatures may relieve plant stress, but significant rainfall is still needed to stabilize crop yields.

Australia
Australia's winter wheat and canola crops are struggling to root in dry soils. Scattered rain helped some areas but left the drier south lacking. Limited rain forecasts for late June will mainly benefit the west, doing little for wheat prospects in key exporting regions.

China

Rainfall in northeastern China aided corn and soybean areas but missed the critical North China Plain, where wheat and canola are already being harvested. Dry conditions are preferable now for harvest, but the upcoming double-crop corn and soybeans will require more moisture. A mid-week system may bring some relief.