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March 13, 2001
Eastern Europe: Rainfall Deficit Continues in Balkans
Summary:
Good conditions prevail in northeast Europe, with beneficial
precipitation and minimal cold events, but an ongoing drought
continues in southeastern Europe.
Drought Continues in South:
Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia have remained dry
throughout the winter months, giving rise to concern for autumn
sown grain crops. The drought in southeastern Europe has now
persisted for an entire year, with precipitation levels well
below normal. Romania remains the country most affected by the
drought, with cumulative rainfall (liquid equivalent) for
December-February averaging a mere 40 percent of normal.
Bulgaria, only slightly better, averaged 50 percent. Serbia fared
the best of the three, but still fell significantly short of
normal, receiving only 80 percent of its typical December 1 -
February 28 precipitation. Soaking rains are needed to recharge
these low reserves to ensure proper crop development by spring.
The dry conditions have been exacerbated by a warm winter in the Balkans, with temperatures averaging 3-5o Celsius above average. These consistently high temperatures are increasing the evaporative moisture loss in the soils, as shown by the subsurface moisture map below.
Northern Countries Faring Well:
Further north, frequent and regular rainfall
occurred from December through February in Poland, the Czech
Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Just as in southeast Europe,
these countries experienced a dry spring, but mid-summer rains
brought relief to the regions' summer crops. Continued widespread
rainfall during the winter season has kept soil moisture levels
adequate. Despite sufficient rains, there has been very little
snow. A very mild winter has occured north of the Carpathian
Mountains, with temperatures 1 - 3o Celsius above
average. However, the resulting minimal snowcover has not been a
problem, as there have been almost no severe cold events. The
only serious cold snap [temperatures in the negative teens
(Celsius) on February 4th] in the region occurred in Poland, but
crops at the time were secure under a rare protective layer of
snow.
Precipitation Totals:
Balkans:
Romania:
Bulgaria:
Serbia
Hungary:
Northeast Europe:
Poland:
Czech Republic:
Slovakia:
Maps:
Winter Precipitation Totals (compared to normals)
Sub-surface Moisture Levels, as of March 4th
Surface Moisture Levels, as of March 4th
Miscellaneous
World Agricultural Board's March Crop Production Report
Current weather in eastern Europe
Previous eastern Europe updates
For more information, please contact Bryan Purcell with the Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division on (202) 690-0138. email: purcellb@fas.usda.gov
