Dry, warm weather over much of the region was beneficial for
spring grain (north) and cotton (south) emergence and
establishment.
After several weeks of wet weather, sunny
skies over northern Kazakhstan and neighboring portions of
central Russia promoted spring wheat and barley development.
However, showers (10-25 mm) approached from the west,
maintaining excellent moisture supplies in the Urals and Volga
Districts.
Likewise, showers and thunderstorms (10-50 mm) in
southern portions of the Siberia District alleviated short-term
dryness and boosted prospects for spring grain establishment.
Meanwhile, seasonably dry, hot weather (35-40°C) in
Uzbekistan and southern Kazakhstan promoted the
development of irrigated cotton and facilitated winter wheat
harvesting.
