Agrometeorology: Autumn sowings can develop optimally, but frost threatens fruit trees

(Photo: Pixabay)

They explained: after four weeks of drought, 10-50 millimeters of rain fell in most parts of the country in the past week. Most of it fell in the western and southwestern parts of the country and in the Bükk region, while not even 10 millimeters fell in the area of ​​Szentgotthárd, Szombathely and Lake Velence and in spots in the Tiszántúl region. In the past 90 days, precipitation fell 10-30 millimeters less than average in the northern half of the country, while in the southern areas it was 10-50 millimeters more. The upper 20-centimeter layer of the soil has been soaked in most of the country, except in the Alpokalja, in the area of ​​Lake Velence and the capital, on the eastern border, and in the Upper Tisza region. In the southern third of Transdanubia, but also in several places in the northern part, and on the northern border, the upper one-meter soil layer is saturated or close to saturation, while in the Great Plain and Mezőföld it is typically 40-80 millimeters short. The temperature was still above average in the middle of last week, with peak values ​​above 15 degrees Celsius, and then from Friday cold air rushed into Transdanubia with stormy winds, and snow fell in places. The maximums were only around 5 degrees, but in the east the peak value only dropped to 10 degrees on Monday. Warming began on Wednesday, and the air warmed up again to around 15 degrees throughout the country. The daily average of the soil temperature measured at 5 centimeters is between 6 and 10 degrees, with lower values ​​occurring in Transdanubia.

The flowering of early stone fruits has ended, and major frost has not threatened the crop so far

The other fruit trees are also at the beginning of flowering or in budding. Cooldowns with frost are typical in April, and cooler air is expected to arrive at the end of the week and probably in the middle of next week. Light frosts (between minus 1 and minus 3 degrees Celsius) may occur in some places, which can cause damage, but a lot depends on the amount of cloud cover at night and the wind speed. The forecast is for dry, mostly sunny weather to continue until the middle of next week, so the ground will dry out. Temperatures are rising, with highs expected to reach around 20 degrees by the end of the week. Cooler air will arrive from Tuesday, and despite the sunny weather, highs will drop below 15 degrees. Light frost may occur on Saturday and Sunday morning, and even more frost cannot be ruled out from the middle of next week.

MTI