Preliminary assessment of overwintering of crops in 2026
Field studies indicate that in the current year, winter crops overwintered somewhat worse than in the previous year. The main cause of the damage was significant drops in near-ground temperatures recorded in January and February (in some areas down to −25°C and below), accompanied by drying winds. Insufficient snow cover or its absence further limited the natural protection of plants against frost.
In most voivodeships, greater losses in the area sown with winter crops were recorded compared to the previous year. Damage to the plants also resulted from daily temperature fluctuations as well as locally occurring waterlogging in fields during the late winter/early spring period. An additional factor contributing to losses in winter crops was the occurrence of snow mold on plantations. The overwintering of fruit trees and bushes was most often assessed as good or satisfactory. An increased risk of frost damage mainly concerned apricots, sweet cherries, peaches, and some plum varieties.