Eastern Europe faces drought and declining cereal harvests

Eastern Europe is facing significant meteorological challenges, including drought and fluctuating temperatures. In Romania, the National Meteorological Administration (ANM) reports moderate to extreme soil water deficits, which are expected to persist through early October. This lack of moisture is impacting autumn crop development and complicating agricultural tasks like plowing. While temperatures are forecasted to remain above normal for much of the month, some mountain regions may see frost and snow.

On a broader scale, the European cereal harvest has been revised downward to 279 million tonnes, largely due to heatwaves and water shortages affecting corn pollination. The estimated loss in value is approximately 3.2 billion euros.

In Moldova, the Meteorological and Environmental Monitoring Authority has issued warnings regarding low river flows. The Nistru river is under an orange alert with flow rates estimated at only 20–25% of multi-annual averages, while several smaller rivers remain under red alerts. Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry has advised farmers to protect crops from potential frosts using protective covers or irrigation.