During the period from April 7th to 22th, 2022, most winter wheat in northern China was in jointing to heading stage, only some of it in Northern Xinjiang and central Gansu were still in the rising stage. The flowering stage was primarily in Jianghuai, Jianghan and Southwest China and partly in Guanzhong, And some winter wheat in Southwest China has entered the milk-ripe stage.

During the monitoring period, there was a significant fluctuation in temperature in the winter wheat region. In the early part of the monitoring period, the temperature in most of the northern agricultural areas was slightly higher and the soil moisture was suitable for winter wheat's tillering and heading, as well as the emergence of spring crops such as corn, spring wheat, and cotton. However, from the 20th to the 22nd, the region was hit by a strong cold air mass, resulting in significant temperature drops or rainy/snowy weather in most of the major winter wheat producing areas. Snowfall in central and northern Shaanxi, central Shanxi, and eastern Gansu during the heading stage caused freeze damage to winter wheat. The sharp drop in temperature in other regions also resulted in slow growth of winter wheat and other crops.

Overall, the Guanzhong Plain region was affected by freeze damage, resulting in deviated growth. In other areas, there was sufficient precipitation and slightly lower temperatures, but the overall condition of wheat was normal.

Figure 1: NDVI departure from 5 years average (2023.4.07 - 2023.4.22)