Rain and snow over Ukraine and western Russia boosted soil
moisture reserves for dormant winter crops, while warm, wet weather kept
southern wheat areas devoid of snow cover.
Widespread rain and snow (5-25 mm liquid equivalent, locally
more) across Ukraine and central Russia further improved moisture reserves for
dormant winter wheat following a pronounced autumn drought.
Snow fell from north-central Ukraine into central Russia,
with depths averaging 5 to 15 cm in northern Ukraine to more than 25 cm over
much of western and central Russia.
The snow pack afforded sufficient protection from potential winter kill
in the southern Volga District, where night time readings dipped below -20°C.
In contrast, continuing warmth (highs of 10-15°C) in
south western Russia along with variable showers (3-25 mm) kept winter wheat
devoid of a protective snow pack and continued to reduce crop cold hardiness.
However, the warmth minimized the risk for winter kill during
the period.