Omsk's crops wither under scorching heat and record drought

Crops in Omsk’s Novovarshavsky District are struggling due to extreme heat and a severe lack of rain. Soil temperatures have soared above 60 degrees Celsius, damaging plants and stunting growth. The situation is now threatening crop development across the region. Spring planting in Novovarshavsky District finished on time. However, the growing season has seen only 5–7 millimetres of rain. High soil temperatures have scorched outer leaves and halted plant growth.

On 24 June 2026, Nikolai Drofa, the Minister of Agriculture for Omsk Region, visited Novovarshavsky and Pavlogradsky Districts. He inspected farms where crops are suffering from the extreme conditions. The moisture shortage in both districts is now described as critical.

Without rain in the coming days, the damage to crops will worsen significantly. The lack of precipitation and extreme heat have created a dire situation for local agriculture. Fields in both districts remain at risk of further harm. Officials continue to monitor the impact on crops as they await much-needed rainfall.