Meteorological spring is beginning, but the effects of last winter are still being felt. Another warmer-than-average winter with little snow and rain is already leaving the first signs of drought. Experts are warning of the long-term consequences: an extended growing season, an increasing risk of frost damage, and worsening water shortages.
Meteorological spring begins this weekend. The winter that is coming to an end was once again warmer than average—by around one degree, according to provisional estimates. There was little snow and almost no rain in February, meaning drought is already being felt in some areas, and this could worsen. March is expected to be another warm month with little precipitation.
Scientists warn that the growing season will be extended. Instead of lasting 180 to 200 days at the turn of the millennium, it now lasts up to 230 days in some areas. In twenty years, the Czech news channel ČT24 reports, it could be extended by another 20 days.
“Spring started very early, which means vegetation began earlier. In South Moravia, for example, apricots were already in bloom in the second half of March. The spring frosts that traditionally occur at this time naturally destroyed the harvest,” Zdeněk Žalud from the Institute for the Study of Global Change at the Czech Academy of Sciences told the TV station.
It’s not just about the risk of frost damage. The longer plants are active, the more water they need—something that is already in short supply in some areas. According to climatologists, people must already reckon with droughts, high temperatures, and extreme rainfall.
To adapt to climate change and improve water storage in the landscape, water projects are being implemented in Třebíčsko and Blanensko, for example. These include the restoration of ponds, the construction of water reservoirs, and the creation of wetlands, which benefit both flora and fauna. The state forests have invested over 1.5 billion crowns in such measures over the last six years. According to meteorologists, there will be little precipitation in the coming weeks, while temperatures will remain above average. This could further exacerbate the drought in March.
