Meteorologists predict cooler June with key implications for farming

The latest report from Kun.uz’s “Weather and Agriculture” coverage examines the anticipated weather patterns for June across Uzbekistan and their potential effects on farming activities. Experts predict that the country will experience a predominance of relatively cooler days throughout the month, which carries important consequences for crop development.

Kamoliddin Ikromov: As you mentioned earlier, at the end of May and beginning of June, Uzbekistan experienced relatively cool weather. How has this affected agriculture?

Erkin Abdullahatov: Indeed, the previous forecast proved accurate, and early summer saw noticeably cooler weather. This was beneficial for agricultural products as plants were protected from various stresses. The coolness in late spring and early summer resulted from alternating airflows, although strong winds were also recorded during this period. These winds caused some wheat lodging and fruit drop in orchards in certain areas, but the damage was not significant. However, at the end of May, a severe hailstorm struck the Oltiariq district of Fergana region, causing serious damage to orchards — with losses reaching 30 to 70 percent of the harvest.

Kamoliddin Ikromov: What weather conditions can farmers expect during the upcoming ten-day period and throughout June? What conditions should they prepare for when planting and tending second crops on fields left after harvesting grain?

Erkin Abdullahatov: Except for a few days of heat waves in mid-June, the second half of the month is expected to be relatively cooler. There is a possibility of cool winds following short periods of heat. This pattern resembles a “carousel”: alternating hot and cool conditions typical for June. In terms of precipitation, northern regions are likely to fare better, but this does not mean farmers can rely solely on rain for sowing seeds.

The key factor for the development of second crops this month will be water availability. Reservoir water reserves and river flows will play a decisive role. For farmers and peasants, another important factor is maintaining moderate temperatures in the first month of summer.

Starting from early next week, a heat wave of around +40 degrees Celsius will enter the region from Turkmenistan. This heat wave is expected to cover northern and southern areas, as well as Bukhara and Navoi regions on Tuesday and Wednesday. By Thursday, it is expected to spread to all regions except the Fergana Valley. From Friday onward, cooler weather will return.

Kamoliddin Ikromov: What weather is expected during the hottest summer months — July and August?

Erkin Abdullahatov: According to the World Meteorological Organization, Uzbekhydromet, and climate centers, temperatures in many parts of Uzbekistan in July are expected to be 1 degree above average, and in the valleys and mountainous areas, 1–2 degrees higher. August will see a similar trend. However, the precipitation outlook is different — very little rainfall is expected, with the possibility of extreme drought conditions. Northern regions may fare somewhat better. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that summer rains have little impact on the development of agricultural products — they mainly help to suppress dust and slightly cool the air.