Cumulative precipitation from August 08 to September 01, compare to average of the last 15 years. Source: EarthDaily analysis
August intensified pressure across several major crop-producing regions. European corn and sunflower conditions deteriorated sharply. Persistent dryness threatened Ukrainian corn, and northeastern China entered late August with significant moisture deficits. Record rainfall saturated the U.S. Corn Belt during critical crop stages. A rapid return to drier weather may limit widespread damage. Argentina and southeastern Australia maintained favorable moisture and strong crop development heading into September.
Persistent dryness increased concerns for Ukrainian corn, while northeastern China also faced significant moisture deficits.
The U.S. Corn Belt experienced an exceptional rainfall event during August, with cumulative precipitation from August 10–19 reaching its highest level for those dates in 30 years. The event occurred as corn was largely in grain filling and soybeans were progressing through pod setting and filling, sharply increasing soil moisture and raising concerns about waterlogging and localized flooding.
The risk of widespread yield losses appeared limited. A similar precipitation pattern occurred in 2016, when yields remained strong. Localized losses may still occur, especially in poorly drained or flooded fields. The relatively short duration of saturation should limit broader crop damage.
Argentina continued the favorable development that began with the return of rainfall in July. Moisture remained near or above average across the main wheat-producing regions, supporting rapid crop development and vegetation indices well above normal.
Southern Brazil followed a different trajectory. Persistently high soil moisture characterized much of the month across the wheat-growing region, although drier conditions toward late August began reducing excess moisture and associated disease risks.
European crop conditions deteriorated significantly during August following the heat and moisture stress established earlier in the summer. Central and eastern Europe were particularly affected, with Hungarian vegetation indices falling to exceptionally low levels. By late August, severe deterioration had also become evident in Italy. Rainfall finally returned across parts of Europe but came too late to significantly restore corn and sunflower yield potential.
Ukraine remained persistently dry through August, increasing pressure on corn as the crop advanced through yield-defining stages. The continuing moisture deficit raised the risk that conditions could move closer to the poor 2024 season.
Australia became increasingly divided during August. Dry conditions weakened crop development in Western Australia, where vegetation indices fell behind most recent seasons. In contrast, southeastern growing regions maintained near- to above-average soil moisture and particularly strong crop vigor.
Moisture conditions became increasingly challenging across northeastern China during August, particularly in Jilin and Liaoning. Rainfall returned to parts of the region toward the end of the month, providing some relief, although cumulative precipitation remained well below normal.