Winter crops remained adequately insulated from bitter cold by
a moderate to deep snow-pack.
Across Ukraine and central Russia, a fresh snowfall (10-35
mm liquid equivalent, snow depths of 5 to 30 cm, locally more) protected
dormant winter wheat from temperatures up to 6°C below normal (night time lows
below -20°C).
However, key southern wheat areas in southern Russia were
spared the coldest conditions, with readings remaining above -15°C; these
southern wheat areas are protected by a shallow, patchy snow cover.