Mar 2 • 07:31 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia Postimees

SIX FIELDS ⟩ A layer of snow protected winter crops

February's weather remained consistently wintry, providing a protective layer of snow for winter crops in Estonia.

Throughout February, Estonia experienced an unusually stable winter climate, characterized by a thick layer of snow covering the fields. Notably, the coldest days were recorded on February 1, 2, 5, 15, 17, and 18, during which minimum surface temperatures dropped below -25 °C in several areas. The month's lowest temperature, measured at -33.1 °C, was recorded on February 1 in two locations: a winter wheat field in Vilivere village, Rapla County, and in a horticultural area in Vanaküla, Põlva County. During this month, temperatures near the ground fell below -30 °C on four separate nights.

While many fruit trees can withstand severe frost during their winter dormancy, extremely low temperatures can nonetheless cause damage depending on the species, variety, and frost resistance characteristics. This indicates that while the protective snow layer benefited winter crops, the extreme cold poses potential risks to specific vegetation, highlighting the delicate balance between winter safety and crop health. The consistent freezing conditions throughout the month may have implications for the upcoming agricultural season, influencing farmers' strategies for crop management and pest control in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.

Overall, the stability of the winter weather in Estonia during February offers a moment of reprieve for winter crops, but with a caution that extreme temperatures could later affect their survival as the season transitions to spring. Farmers must remain vigilant and prepared for fluctuating conditions that could arise in the coming months, particularly regarding their winter crops' health and productivity.

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