Dry, warmer weather
overspread the region, benefiting winter crops in areas with sufficient soil moisture.
In particular, sunny
skies allowed temperatures to rebound from October’s unseasonable cold, with
readings during the week averaging 3 to 6°C above normal.
The warmer weather
eased stress caused by recent bitter cold and allowed wheat to add vegetative growth
in southern portions of the region.
The primary winter wheat
oblasts in far southern Russia have received favourable autumn rainfall for
establishment, and the week’s warmth and dryness further improved crop
prospects.
However, soil moisture
remained in short supply for winter wheat establishment from the southern Central
District eastward into the northern Southern District and southern Volga, with
many crops in these dry areas close to or already dormant.