OK: 01:57:35 CST Thursday, 15 February 2018

2.6 Western Europe

Crop condition was generally below average in most parts of the continental Western European MPZ during this reporting period. Summer crops were completely harvested, and winter crops were planted and reached over-wintering stages.  

The agroclimatic indicators show that total rainfall across the MPZ was 9% below average, resulting from marked negative departures in (1) large parts of the Mediterranean region from October to November and after late-December, (2) the south of the United  Kingdom from October to November and after late-December as well as the of the United  Kingdom form mid-October to early-November, (3) most of Germany, Denmark and north of France from mid-October to early-November, (4) the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary during mid-October and after mid-December. The most severely affected three countries were Spain (RAIN, -46%), Italy (-40%) and France (-30%). In  large  parts  of  northern  Europe,  the  sowing  of  winter crops was delayed by the late harvesting of summer crops; it was further hampered  by  excessively  wet conditions. In northern Germany, the abundant rain continued in this reporting period and delayed field operations. Rapeseed is worst affected; its optimal sowing window is over and a reduction in the planted area is expected. Most parts of the Mediterranean region will need more rain in the coming months to raise soil moisture levels, and create favorable conditions for the growth of winter crops. 

Temperature (TEMP) was slightly below average (-0.3°C) for the MPZ as a whole, but radiation was well below average with RADPAR at  -6%.  Below average temperatures were observed in most parts of the MPZ from mid-October to mid-December. Sources indicate that frost damage has been minor so far.

Due to the rainfall deficit, the biomass accumulation potential BIOMSS was 8% below the recent five-year average.The lowest BIOMSS values (-20% and less) occurred in most of France, Spain, Italy and United  Kingdom. In contrast, BIOMSS was above average (sometimes exceeding a 10% departure) over north of  the France, most of Germany and the Czech Republic, north and south of Austria, and east and west of Hungary. The average maximum VCI for the MPZ reached a value of 0.86 during this reporting period. More than 89% of arable lands were cropped, which is 1% below the recent five-year average. Most uncropped arable land is concentrated in Spain, northern and southeast Italy, and scattered in the Mediterranean region of France.

Generally, the condition of winter crops in the MPZ was below average, and more rain will be needed to ensure an adequate soil moisture supply for the ongoing winter crop season.

Figure 2.5a. Western Europe MPZ spatial distribution of rainfall profiles (left) and profiles of rainfall departure from average (mm) (right), October 2017-January 2018

Figure 2.5b. Western Europe MPZ spatial distribution of temperature profiles (left) and profiles of temperature departure from average (℃) (right), October 2017-January 2018

Figure 2.5c. Western Europe MPZ maximum VCI, October 2017-January 2018

Figure 2.5d. Western Europe MPZ cropped and uncropped arable land, October 2017-January 2018

Figure 2.5e. Western Europe MPZ biomass accumulation potential departure, October 2017-January 2018

Figure 2.5f. Western Europe MPZ VHI minimum, October 2017-January 2018