Artificial Rainmaking Efforts Help Reduce Wildfires, Boost Crop Yields in Yakutia and Stavropol Region

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Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin held a working meeting with Igor Shumakov, head of the Russian Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (Rosgidromet), during which they discussed preparations for spring floods and the upcoming fire season in regions across Russia.

Challenging Floods Due to Snowy Winter

According to Rosgidromet, heavy snowfall during the past winter may lead to a tense flood situation. The agency has already issued warnings to federal subjects about potential flooding risks.

As Igor Shumakov noted, the ice breakup in northern and eastern regions of European Russia will begin earlier than the climatic norm — in some places up to two weeks earlier. In the near future, ice drift is expected on rivers in the Urals, southern Siberia, and the Far East, while on Kamchatka, the processes will start about ten days earlier than usual. In May, the active phase of flooding will spread to the north of European Russia and major waterways in Siberia and the Far East.

Higher water levels are forecast in several federal districts — Central, Volga, Ural, Siberian, and Far Eastern. The situation is being monitored around the clock.

To improve forecasting efficiency, Rosgidromet uses its own digital platform, GIS "Hydrology," which automatically generates short-term flood forecasts for periods ranging from three to seven days. Additionally, there is a constant exchange of hydrological data with neighboring countries: Kazakhstan — on the Ural and Tobol rivers, and China — on the Amur and Ussuri basins.

Fire Season to Start Earlier

Special attention was given to the forecast of forest fires. According to the head of Rosgidromet, climate change is leading to an increase in the duration of the fire season: this year it will start earlier than usual and end later.

From April to September, a significant number of days with high and extreme fire danger are expected in the Southern, Central, Volga, Ural, and Siberian federal districts, as well as in the north of the North Caucasus, Transbaikalia, and Yakutia. Corresponding assessments have already been sent to regional authorities and relevant services.

Weather Modification Technologies

Rosgidromet also reported on the use of weather modification technologies as one of the tools to combat natural risks. In Yakutia, an experiment continues to artificially stimulate precipitation using aircraft. According to the service, such measures have increased precipitation by an average of 62%, contributing to a reduction in damage from forest fires.

Similar methods are also used in agriculture. In the Stavropol region last year, additional irrigation during the vegetation period increased precipitation by almost 40%, which helped achieve a record grain harvest. Work in the region has already resumed this season.