During the 7-day period, temperatures averaged 6 to 10°C above normal, with snow cover at week’s end mostly confined to Russian crop areas north of the Southern District.
The warmth fostered rapid winter wheat greening in southern portions of Ukraine and Russia, where crops broke dormancy 2 to 4 weeks ahead of average.
Moisture supplies are favourable for wheat development in these areas, though some localised winter dryness has been noted in areas immediately adjacent to the Black Sea Coast.
Farther west, sunny skies and April-like warmth (daytime highs of 10-15°C) also promoted early spring grain planting in Ukraine and southern Belarus.