Farmers across Poland are raising concerns after a period of unseasonably warm weather in early March gave way to a sharp return of frost, with nighttime temperatures plunging as low as -7°C. The freeze, coupled with persistent drought conditions, is fueling fears of extensive damage to crops, especially fruit trees.
Frost Hits Vulnerable Budding Trees
Experts warn that the frost arrived at a particularly vulnerable moment for many crops. “Temperatures around -5 to -7 degrees Celsius pose a serious risk to fruit trees in the budding phase,” explained Michał Lewicki of the IMGW’s specialized forecasting team. According to his forecasts, sub-zero temperatures would persist into the first days of spring but are expected to ease soon.
While the impact is still being assessed, many farmers are already bracing for losses. Magda Krzyżanowska, who runs an agricultural-horticultural farm near Grójec, noted that similar conditions last year severely thinned out their blueberry yield. "We won’t know the extent of the damage until the leaves and buds begin to bloom in two or three months," she said, as reported by Wirtualna Polska.
Low Water Levels and No Rain in Sight
Adding to the anxiety is a prolonged dry spell that has left water levels in drainage ditches at historic lows. “I’m nearly 40 years old, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Piotr Krysik, a farmer near Łochów. “If it doesn’t rain soon, this year will be catastrophic for farmers.”
Krysik also pointed out that he delayed applying nitrogen fertilizer to his grain crops, waiting for more stable conditions. While that decision spared his crops from frostburn, the continued lack of moisture remains a critical issue.
Rain and Warmer Weather on the Horizon
Forecasts from IMGW offer a glimmer of hope. Rain is expected starting Sunday, March 23, continuing through the following Thursday. While expected precipitation levels are modest—around 15 mm in most areas—some regions could receive up to 170% of the seasonal average.
Higher temperatures are also predicted, which could trigger early flowering in fruit trees. Though this will make them more vulnerable to future temperature swings, it may also signal an end to the current freeze.
For now, however, uncertainty dominates. With both frost and drought posing serious threats, Polish farmers are preparing for a difficult season ahead.
