Mild conditions, scattered rains good for crops in Midwest

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Generally clear skies and warm weather across the upper Midwest this weekend gave fields a chance to dry from recent flooding and boosted corn and soybean growth, a forecaster said on Monday.

The week ahead should provide a mix of off-and-on showers and warm temperatures.

"The Midwest weather pattern is favorable for the development of corn and soybeans. But it will be warmer and drier in the Delta," said Joel Burgio, forecaster with DTN Meteorlogix.

The milder weather over the past week led Chicago grain traders to expect the U.S. Agriculture Department to raise its ratings of corn and soybean conditions in its weekly crop progress report issued Monday afternoon.

The weekend featured periods of dry weather along with scattered light showers in parts of Iowa, Nebraska and areas of the eastern Midwest.

The forecast calls for showers of 0.3 to 1.5 inches, locally heavier, 60 to 80 percent coverage for Tuesday-Wednesday across the western Midwest. Farms east of the Mississippi River will see similar amounts on Tuesday.

The Midwest will be dry or see a few scattered showers Thursday to Saturday.

Temperatures will fluctuate from normal highs in the mid-80s degrees Fahrenheit to above normal with some locations reaching the low 90s this week.

Meteorlogix's Midwest six- to 10-day forecast for Saturday through Wednesday called for near to above-normal temperatures, except the northwest belt which will be cooler. Rainfall will near to above in the western and northern areas and near to below in the southeast.

(Reporting by Christine Stebbins; Editing by John Picinich)