MARS: no winter damage so far - winter hardiness sufficient Based on the climate data evaluation from January 1 to February 17, 2023, the Agricultural Meteorological Institute of the EU Commission (MARS) has not identified any winter damage. Temperatures range from unusually warm to average wintry, but with no significant cold snaps. According to the current weather forecast, no frost damage is to be expected until Feb. 25, 2023. Several regions continue to experience a significant rainfall deficit. This is of particular concern in southern and central Spain, northern Italy, western Turkey and the Maghreb region. It was also too dry in eastern Ukraine and southern Russia. A water supply in lakes, in groundwater or in the form of snow would be necessary for the coming vegetation period. Excess precipitation is observed in parts of Slovakia, Hungary, and Croatia, as well as in central Romania, but is not a cause for concern as drought is expected in the coming days. Winter crops are in good condition in most European regions.
