Massive wildfires in spring and summer: Ukraine's climate is set for a dramatic shift, warns meteorologist.

The number of fires in Ukraine is expected to increase due to the hot weather. However, the warming also brings clear benefits: in central and northern regions, it's possible to cultivate "southern" crops, according to meteorologist Vera Balabukh.

https://focus.ua/ukraine/690790-izmenenie-klimata-v-ukraine-kakaya-pogoda-budet-vesnoy-i-letom2025-01-29 08:03:48

In Ukraine, the number of fires may increase in the spring and summer of this year due to rising temperatures. This was stated in an interview with "Glavkom" by Vera Balabukh, head of the Department of Applied Meteorology and Climatology at the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

Currently, there are already certain preconditions for a fire hazard period. Due to the predominance of heat, small rivers in Ukraine are drying up, while larger ones are becoming low-water, the specialist added.

"Droughts are becoming increasingly common. Last year, we experienced a rather dry period, which affects yields and ultimately food security," Balabukh informed.

On the other hand, Ukraine is located in temperate climate latitudes. All climate changes certainly affect the usual way of life, but they are not catastrophic, the meteorologist noted.

"Ukraine could become a very attractive place for many to settle, a food granary for the entire world," the climatologist believes.

Among the advantages of warming in Ukraine, she mentions the opportunities to cultivate "southern" crops such as corn and sunflowers in the central regions. However, warmth alone is not enough to grow some crops. Moisture is also needed, and Ukraine is gradually facing a deficit due to a lack of snow.

Furthermore, as a result of the war, greenhouse gas emissions have significantly increased. Over two years of fighting, the atmosphere received 180 million tons of carbon, an amount that Malta produces over 80 years, the scientist concluded.

It is worth noting that in western Pennsylvania in the USA, the water level in the Youghiogheny River lake has dropped significantly due to drought. This has made visible the ancient 200-year-old Great Crossing bridge.

In 2024, a record heat in Greece over the past 30 years was recorded. Locals were able to see the village of Kallio, which was submerged in the late 1970s.