The possibility of a repeat of May frosts, which turned out to be devastating for agriculture last year, is estimated at 20-40% this year in the central regions of Russia, as reported in the forecast by the Hydrometeorological Center.
The scientific director of the Hydrometeorological Center, Roman Vilfand, explained that the likelihood of frosts was calculated based on the analysis of data from the last 15 years. He noted that in the center of European Russia, especially in early May, the probability of frosts ranges from 20% to 40%. Frosts are also possible in April. However, in the south of the country, the risk of frosts is close to zero, although significant frosts were observed in early May in the Rostov Oblast and the Central Chernozem region.
Vilfand also pointed out that the overall probability of May frosts has significantly decreased compared to the previous century.
Last year, the May frosts came later than usual and were unusually cold. There was heavy snowfall. As a result, almost 1 million hectares of crops of agricultural crops were destroyed, and they had to be replanted.