April Frosts in Ukraine Among the Strongest in Decades, Rapeseed Hit Hardest

April was marked by two powerful waves of frost, among the most severe in recent decades, according to Tetyana Adamenko, head of the agrometeorology department at Ukraine’s Hydrometeorological Center.

The frosts were dangerous not only due to low temperatures but also because of their prolonged impact.

“During the first wave, which occurred against a backdrop of very low average daily temperatures, daytime temperatures in some regions did not rise above zero for two days,” Adamenko said.

The second wave began on April 26. While daytime temperatures were warmer, nighttime temperatures dropped to critical levels. For instance, a weather station in Baryshivka, Kyiv Oblast, recorded -11°C at a height of 2 cm.

“Frosts were widespread across Ukraine. In Rivne and Dnipro Oblasts, they lasted 10–12 days; in the south, up to 14 days. In Odesa Oblast, about 10 days, where vegetable and berry crops were damaged. The first wave affected apricots, while the second hit other stone fruits that hadn’t yet bloomed,” Adamenko noted.

The extent of damage depended on the layout of fields and orchards, proximity to water bodies that mitigated the frost’s impact, and the use of protective measures.

Regarding winter cereals, Adamenko reported some damage but not critical. Monitoring by the Hydrometeorological Center’s agrometeorology department noted leaf whitening and tip damage, but plants could recover if conditions remain cool and moist.

“It’s cool, but unfortunately, there’s no moisture. The topsoil is dry, and the air has very low relative humidity, which significantly increases stress on crops,” Adamenko said.

Rapeseed, in its vulnerable flowering phase, suffered the most, she added. “Winter crops, however, were not in critical phases like heading or flowering during the frosts, so I believe they will be fine,” Adamenko concluded.

Tags: Ukraine, rapeseed