Rainfall and increased risk of hail at the beginning of May

During the next seven-day period, agrometeorological conditions will be determined by unstable weather and average daily temperatures close to the climatic norms for the first ten days of May. Widespread precipitation is forecast during the period, along with an improvement in the conditions for the vegetation of the autumn-sown crops and the sown spring crops. After the intensified spring drought in the northeastern regions, the expected precipitation will provide an opportunity for the recovery of part of the winter cereal crops that are in a critical condition. The soil moisture deficit in many places in Northeastern Bulgaria has been a limiting factor for the development of wheat and a cause of yellowing in part of the stands.

In the southwestern regions and in most of the Thracian Lowland, where precipitation of economic significance fell in April – in some places over 50-60 l/m² (Kyustendil-67 l/m², Blagoevgrad-52 l/m², Sandanski-73 l/m², Pazardzhik-83 l/m², Plovdiv-87 l/m², Haskovo-93 l/m², Stara Zagora-50 l/m², Chirpan-67 l/m²), the condition of the winter cereal crops is good.

During the next period, in the field areas wheat and barley will undergo a transition from stem elongation to heading and the heading stage. For maize and sunflower, depending on the sowing dates, the emergence and leaf formation stages will be observed.

During the first week of May, critical minimum temperatures for agricultural crops are not forecast, but the probability of hail remains elevated. In case of hail damage, it is recommended that the affected crops be treated at the first opportunity with copper-containing fungicides to reduce the risk of secondary infections.

Source: NIMH