Heavy rain in the west contrasted with warm, dry weather in
central and eastern wheat areas.A stationary storm system produced moderate to heavy rainfall (25-110 mm, locally more) from Belarus and northwestern Russia into central and southern Ukraine.
The wet weather eased or ended short-term drought over central and western Ukraine and improved prospects for winter wheat establishment.
However, flooding in low-lying fields may necessitate replanting winter wheat or waiting for spring to plant warm-season crops.
Meanwhile, sunny skies and late-season warmth (3-7°C above normal) promoted winter wheat development from eastern Ukraine into central and southern Russia.