These conditions allowed stands that were lagging behind in development to partially catch up, and currently, winter crops are generally in fair to good (or very good) condition.

According to our crop model simulations, frost damage to winter cereals has not occurred so far.

Frost tolerance concerns, particularly in the Black Sea region

However, with the exception of northern and central-eastern parts of Europe (where winter crops are almost or fully hardened), the build-up of frost tolerance remains weak due to the mild weather conditions.

The weak hardening of the winter crops in areas around the Black Sea is of particular concern. Precipitation was above average in this region, but mostly in the form of rain, or of snow that has melted since then; thus the snow cover is very limited, and a cold snap would lead to frost damage, especially in late-sown fields.

Drought negatively affects crops in northern Africa

A marked rain deficit extending along the Mediterranean from southern Spain to northern Italy has had no significant negative impact on winter crops so far.

In northern Africa, persisting drought conditions in Morocco negatively impacted the growth and development of winter crops, and rain is urgently needed to sustain adequate crop growth in western and central Algeria.