The reserves of productive moisture in soil on plowed and winter crop fields represent 90 -120% of the norm at the start of the sprouting period (March 16-25).

According to the State Hydrometeorology Service, the moisture reserves formed in autumn in a one-meter layer of soil represent 110-200 mm or 100-160% of the norm. The precipitation this winter constituted 55-75 mm or about 60-90% of the norm. It is anticipated that the moisture reserves at the beginning of the sprouting period will represent 115-160 mm, which is up to 120% of the norm, IPN reports.

Weather forecasters said rain will fall in the period between March 2 and 5. It will rain heavier in the northern districts.