Extreme weather leaves a trail of destruction through Europe

With an average of 128 millimeters of precipitation, the month of May in the Netherlands was the wettest ever measured according to the KNMI. This gives it the dubious honor of having broken the old record from 1983 (115 millimeters). The differences between regions are large. The south fared significantly worse. In various places in the southeast of the Netherlands, 200 millimeters of rain or more fell, while in the northeast it was sometimes only 70 millimeters.

Pushed the boundaries
Between the showers, arable farmers managed to sow sugar beets and onions and plant potatoes, although that work is still not completed. Apart from the southeast and southwest of the country, this concerns the last 5% to 10% that is not yet in the ground. The limits of what is possible have been explored again this year. It is difficult to say at this time how extensive the damage is to the crops. Water damage occurs to a greater or lesser extent in almost all places in the country. Livestock farmers were able to harvest their first cut of grass from mid-April to mid-May. The wetness caused some hindrance. There is now a lot of grass waiting on many plots that can be harvested in a few days of good weather.

May is already over. And had more than 200mm. Not much I can do other than drain the water. still only 40% of the potatoes planted. And the sugar beets and corn are still in the packaging. Hoping for drying weather soon. Because it's getting tight. pic.twitter.com/904QRJ9Lzl

— twan vd heijden ツ (@gerritgaatjes) June 2, 2024

Extreme planting season in Belgium
Approximately the same amount of rain fell in Belgium last month. The RMI measured 125 millimeters compared to the normal 60 millimeters. In addition, just like in the Netherlands, it was slightly warmer than average. More rain than usual fell, especially in the east and northeast of Belgium. The number of rainy days in particular made it difficult for farmers to do agricultural work.

As a result, just under half of all potatoes still need to be planted. This state of affairs on June 1 can be called extreme and much worse than was the case in 2023. Then most of the potatoes were in the ground around Ascension weekend. The late planting dates result in the harvest time being pushed back or the number of growing days not being achieved. In the meantime, seed potatoes that are still in the shed are not improving. This also applies to the potatoes that are in the ground and are suffering from water damage.

What a tjolinge this year....
With every downturn it seems as if the safety car comes out and everyone has to go back to the stable.
While there was still great fun and enthusiasm at the start, with the umpteenth restart the fun seems to have diminished a bit for the ladies...#grazing pic.twitter.com/kiFfKGetBJ

— Philip Fleurbaey(@PhilipFleurbaey) June 2, 2024

Better, but wet
The situation is better in France than with its northern neighbors. It is estimated that 10% of the potato area still needs to be planted. With an average of 100 millimeters of precipitation, the country received slightly less water, but it is still 125% more than average. There was relatively much precipitation in the coastal areas and quite a bit of work still needs to be done. In the east, work could be done smoothly, but farmers there again had to deal with excessive rainfall at the end of May, which caused crop damage.

Showers of 100 to 200 millimeters
It is mainly the extreme south of Germany and neighboring countries Austria and Switzerland where extreme precipitation causes major damage. A devastating water flow causes major problems. Thunderstorms, hail and night frost have all hit crops in the country. Vereinigte Hagel mentions that 15.000 hectares of orchards and crops were damaged by hail at Pentecost alone. At the end of the month, the insurer's water damage counter stood at 42.000 hectares.

Very heavy showers again fell in the southern German states and across the border last weekend. Due to high temperatures and supply from the Mediterranean, these showers contain a lot of water. Regionally, between 100 and 200 millimeters fell, which led to new flooding, a derailed train and even a death. Thousands of people have been evacuated. All that water partly flows through the rivers towards the Netherlands, where water levels are already high. The provisional highest point is expected to be reached on June 7. It doesn't seem like this will have any major consequences.

Poland got away with it
One country that has done quite well so far is Poland. It was particularly dry there throughout the spring in the south and central areas. Northern Poland remained wet. At the end of May, significant rain fell for the first time, which was also desperately needed. Apart from a cold wave at the end of April, spring started early and was warm. However, there is some damage to the crops due to night frost. Compared to elsewhere in Europe, Polish arable farmers are in good shape.

The onset of meteorological summer brings little relief to most countries. In the Netherlands, the beginning of June is relatively dry, but changeable weather remains present in the first half of June, according to meteorologists. Hopefully the soil will settle enough to be able to plant the remainder of the crops, especially potatoes. Crops that are already in the ground are already growing rapidly, but the ridges still need to be milled. This is now being attempted using tricks, although in most cases it is still too wet.

Hands in the hair
It is clear that farmers in Northwestern Europe are facing one of the most difficult years in recent history. Regionally the differences are enormous. There are areas where sowing and planting could be done on time. Warm weather has ensured good initial development. Rain showers are now clearly causing damage. Arable farmers are also concerned about high disease pressure. The wet weather makes crop protection more difficult. In places where large amounts of rainfall have repeatedly fallen - and where considerable work still needs to be done - arable farmers are at a loss. Corn can still be sown after June 1, but it is actually too late for other crops. Moreover, the harvest time is also shifting considerably. This again entails weather risks.