During the 7-day period, temperatures averaged 4 to 7°C above normal in Ukraine and up to 14°C above normal in Russia.
The unseasonable warmth rapidly melted the region’s snow cover; by week’s end, shallow snow (2-10 cm) lingered from central Ukraine into central Russia, while snow had completely melted in southwestern Russia’s key winter wheat areas.
Daytime highs topped 10°C across the southern half of Russia’s Southern District, while daytime highs exceeding 20°C in the North Caucasus District.
The April-like warmth encouraged rapid greening of winter wheat in southern Russia, increasing the crop’s vulnerability to any potential late-season bitter cold.