In Argentina, recent light to moderate rain improved growing conditions for winter wheat, previously stressed by a lack of rain in September. In southern Brazil, periodic heavy rain since September 25 halted winter wheat harvesting and early corn planting but spurred flowering in coffee areas. Weather conditions in September also favored winter wheat planting, typically underway in eastern Europe. Since early October, rain benefitted winter wheat development in the east and boosted topsoil moisture for early planting in the west. In early September, much-needed rain in the North China Plain benefitted immature summer crops and boosted moisture for winter wheat planting.
Seasonal fieldwork is currently underway.
Farther south, frequent showers have maintained moisture reserves for late double-crop rice but accompanying coolness has slowed growth. A drying trend over Manchuria has been generally favorable for summer crop maturation and harvesting. In Japan and the Koreas, wet weather the later half of September slowed rice maturation and possible caused localized flooding. The monsoon began its seasonal withdrawal in September about on schedule. However, late-season rains benefitted immature oilseeds, grains, and cotton in central and southern India.