Frosts down to -30 °C in early February threaten winter crops in Ukraine

In early February, a sharp drop in temperature to -30 °C is expected in Ukraine, which could pose a significant threat to winter crops, especially in the southern and central regions. The problem is exacerbated by insufficient snow cover, which in many areas is less than 5 cm or completely absent, increasing the risk of crop freezing.

This is reported by AgroReview

Winter crops at risk due to extreme frosts

According to the head of the agro-meteorology department at the Hydrometeorological Center of Ukraine, Tetiana Adamenko, the highest risk is observed for winter barley and rapeseed, which are most sensitive to low temperatures. Late and weakened winter wheat crops are particularly at risk from frost. At the same time, potential losses will depend on the duration of the frosts and subsequent weather conditions.

“We truly expect a sharp drop in temperature: down to -25… -30 °C in the northwestern regions. In the central regions — -20…-25 °C, and in the south — up to -20 °C,” Adamenko noted.

Assessment of potential losses and additional risks for crops

Experts are currently refraining from predictions regarding the scale of potential losses for winter crops, as the situation depends on the duration of the cold period and weather conditions in early February. There is a possibility of a return of severe frosts even after brief warm spells.

Additional danger for winter crops comes from the formation of an ice crust, which has already been recorded in the northern areas of the Odesa region. In other regions, this risk is not yet widespread. According to the expert, an ice crust forms after a thaw followed by a sharp drop in temperature. It becomes particularly dangerous if its thickness exceeds 1 cm, tightly adheres to the soil, and remains for more than 30 days.