WORLD AGRICULTURAL WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS

July 10, 1998

UNITED STATES: Heat and drought intensified from eastern New Mexico to the Southern Atlantic States, severely stressing dryland crops. Hot, dry weather in the central and southern Plains stressed spring-sown crops but allowed the winter wheat harvest to proceed rapidly. Above-normal rainfall significantly improved soil moisture in the northern Plains and maintained adequate to locally surplus moisture supplies in the Corn Belt. Warm weather accompanied significant rainfall in the Corn Belt and Ohio Valley, favoring crop development but promoting excessive weed growth. Cooler-than-normal weather continued to hinder crop development in California.

CANADA: Widespread, much-needed rainfall over the past few weeks has greatly improved growing conditions for spring grains and oilseeds across the Prairies. The moisture, which came as crops were nearing or entering reproduction, alleviated dryness in the northwest and helped freeze recovery in the north and east. In Ontario, early-July rainfall brought some relief to corn and soybeans that were experiencing unfavorable dryness.

SOUTH AMERICA: Near- to above-normal June rainfall continued to slow cotton harvesting in northern Argentina. Below-normal June rainfall reduced soil moisture for wheat development in central Argentina. Near-normal June rainfall favored winter wheat germination in southern Brazil.

EUROPE: In June, above-normal precipitation stretched across northern Europe, including Scandinavia, benefiting winter grains and spring-sown crops. However, the rain fell frequently during the month, increasing the potential for disease problems. Well-below-normal precipitation along with periodic heat extended across southern Europe, stressing non-irrigated crops but favoring rapid winter wheat harvesting.

FSU-WESTERN: In June, a heat wave along with very dry conditions expanded and intensified in Russia, adversely affecting winter grains and spring-sown crops. Unfavorably hot, dry weather also spread into the northeastern Ukraine, worsening conditions for crops. Wet weather prevailed in western and southern Ukraine, the Baltics, and Belarus, favoring crop development.

FSU-NEWLANDS: Hot, dry weather in western Kazakstan and the southern Urals region in Russia hampered spring grain emergence and development. Weather conditions in June in major spring grain producing areas of central Kazakstan and Western Siberia in Russia were favorable for crop development. However, hot, dry weather recently overspread these areas, increasing stress on spring grains.

SOUTHERN ASIA: The southwest monsoon, which has progressed on schedule so far this season, brought timely planting rains to much of the region. Grain, oilseed, and cotton planting activities will increase during July as a result of the beneficial moisture.

EASTERN ASIA: Below-normal June rainfall decreased soil moisture for rainfed crops across the North China Plain. Near- to above-normal rainfall maintained adequate moisture supplies for summer crops in Manchuria, southern China, Japan, and the Korean peninsula. Excessive showers caused local flooding in portions of the Yangtze Valley and southern South Korea.

SOUTHEAST ASIA: Near- to above-normal June showers favored rice and sugarcane across Indochina. Below-normal showers reduced moisture supplies in the eastern and southern Philippines, while seasonal showers aided oil palm in peninsular Malaysia. In Java, above-normal June rainfall boosted moisture supplies for second-crop rice.

AUSTRALIA: Near- to above-normal rainfall during June and early July has created nearly ideal growing conditions for vegetative to semi-dormant wheat and barley. Except for a few dry spots in the southeast, early winter grain prospects are favorable throughout the main winter grain regions.

(More details are available in the Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin.
USDA/Joint Agricultural Weather Facility