EN 
PT_BR 
Irregular rainfall and forecasts of below-average precipitation in the coming days have put farmers in the southern region of Mato Grosso do Sul on high alert. The weather scenario is concerning because it coincides with the R5 phenological stage, marked by the beginning of grain filling. Water scarcity at this time could compromise grain formation and weight, impacting productivity and final crop yield.
Data from the Mato Grosso do Sul Weather and Climate Monitoring Center (CEMTEC) indicate that, between January 1st and 26th, several municipalities in the southern region recorded rainfall volumes below the historical average. In some locations, the water deficit reached 62% compared to what was expected for the period, as in the case of Fátima do Sul, which recorded only 67 millimeters.
Historically, the expected accumulated rainfall for Mato Grosso do Sul in the February, March, and April quarter varies between 300 and 500 millimeters, based on 30 years of climatological data. However, projections indicate that the trend for this period is for irregular rainfall, with volumes predominantly below the historical average.
Harvest
To date, harvesting operations have reached 0.7% of the total area in the Southern region. Despite the gradual progress, the pace is slower than that recorded in the previous harvest, a direct reflection of less favorable weather conditions and more uneven crop development this season.
The peak of the operation should occur between the beginning of February and the middle of March, with the harvest concluding in May. The estimated state production is 15.1 million tons, with an average of 52.8 sacks per hectare.
