High temperatures in Moldova: What’s next for crops?
The Republic of Moldova is currently under the influence of a warm air mass, causing temperatures to be higher than usual for this time of year.
As a result, daytime temperatures are expected to reach up to 16°C. Meteorologists indicate that these high temperatures are unusual for this period, but agricultural experts assure that crops will not be affected.
"These temperatures are certainly abnormal for this time of year, as it is too warm from a meteorological standpoint. At the moment, even nighttime temperatures are unusually high, staying above freezing, which is also abnormal for this time of year. In Chișinău, temperatures have reached up to 7°C, which is quite high," said Ghenadie Roșca, Head of the Meteorological Forecasting Department at the State Hydrometeorological Service.
Agricultural experts note that, in recent years, it has become normal for maximum temperatures to surpass 16°C. For example, in 2023, temperatures reached 18.4°C, and in 2024, they were 16°C.
"These short periods of high temperatures do not harm the development of autumn crops, as they are brief and only lead to minimal growth. A sudden cooling would be dangerous, but according to the forecast, a gradual drop in temperature is expected, which will not affect the autumn crops," said Ecaterina Ursu, Senior Engineer at the Agrometeorology Department, in an interview with Teleradio-Moldova.
Meteorologists predict that from January 11, temperatures will gradually fall to 7°C during the day, with nighttime lows expected to hover around 0°C.
Rain is forecast for January 10, with mixed precipitation expected on January 11. Snow is expected on January 13, accompanied by sub-zero nighttime temperatures. Sleet is forecast for January 15 and 16.
It is worth noting that temperatures are currently reaching up to 14°C during the day, with nighttime temperatures ranging from 5°C to 6°C.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
