A wave of extreme heat swept across Ukraine at the end of June, significantly accelerating the maturation of early grain crops and allowing the harvest campaign to gain momentum. At the same time, high temperatures and a lack of rainfall have sharply reduced soil moisture reserves, increasing risks for late-season crops.
The most challenging conditions are reported in the southern, central, and eastern regions of the country. According to agrometeorological assessments, soil drought has already affected approximately 30–40% of the areas planted with late crops. Corn, sunflower, and soybeans are considered the most vulnerable, as they are currently passing through critical stages of crop development.
In addition to drought, some regions have experienced localized heavy rainfall, strong winds, and hailstorms. These weather events have caused lodging of crops, mechanical damage to plants, and increased the risk of fungal diseases. The contrasting weather conditions require farmers to respond quickly to different challenges depending on their location.
Despite these weather extremes, overall crop conditions remain satisfactory. Warm temperatures continue to support the growth of corn, sunflower, and soybeans, but adequate rainfall during July will be crucial. Moisture availability over the coming weeks will largely determine the final yield potential of Ukraine's late-season crops and the overall outcome of the agricultural season.