March and April this year were the driest March and April in Poland since records began. May began in a similar vein; bright days, few clouds, but with a cold northerly wind. This wind helped evaporate moisture from the topsoil. The long weeks of snow cover were helpful but could not remediate in full the hydrological shortages that have afflicted Poland. Walking into the forest in recent weeks, the ground was covered by dry leaves from autumn that hadn't yet mulched down into the earth ; the forest trails were soft sand, like walking on a beach.
Usually, listening to the UK weather forecasts on BBC Radio 4, I'd could reckon that the frontal systems lashing the British Isles will typically reach Poland in three days' time, although bearing less rain and with thinner clouds. But this year, a dominant high pressure system from the Arctic blocked the typical Atlantic moisture from reaching central Poland.
The climate is changing, and not in any kind of predictable fashion.
The rain finally came on Monday, little at first. There was that sweet smell of petrichor as those large raindrops fell on the parched earth. Yesterday it rained for several hours. What a blessing! Single-digit cold though; for my first walk I put on a woollen cardigan under my waterproof jacket – not enough. For my second walk I pulled out my field jacket with thick winter lining. This morning, my outdoor thermometers read 5°C.
The rain that fell yesterday was of critical importance for a landscape that has been under significant stress. This year's transition to spring was jarringly dry. This created a 'green drought'. By early May, the agricultural sector in southern Mazovia was reporting significant soil moisture deficits. For farmers and growers, the lack of rain combined with the drying effects of the north wind had put early-season crops at risk.
Yesterday's precipitation gave the region has its first proper soaking in several weeks. The rain fell long enough and in sufficient amounts to penetrate the hard-packed surface layer.
Forests in Poland had been approaching level 3 (the highest) fire risk; yesterday’s moisture has temporarily lowered that danger. The north winds had been kicking up significant topsoil and pollen, which yesterday’s rain finally cleared from the air.
Below: on my second walk, between the rains, Jakubowizna, just ahead of the sunset. This is exactly the spot where Wenusia and I met on 5 January last year, a moment that would flip me into the world of cats.
The region will need more rain over the coming weeks to fully recover from the dry start to the year.
Meanwhile, the ice saints are here, having arrived on cue. Or 'zimni ogrodnicy' as they are called in Polish. Today is St Servatus' day; yesterday was the feast of St Pancras, tomorrow it will be the turn of St Boniface, and on Friday – zimna Zosia, the feastday of 'cold Sophia'.
More rain is forecast to follow over the next few days, with a high likelihood of persistent rain from Friday through to Monday. Good.
With the exception of old Hipek, the cats spent the night outdoors, came in for breakfast, went out to do their business, and quickly returned home for a comfortable, warm, indoor snooze. Céleste is nicely pregnant; I expect she will deliver this year's batch of kittens within the next week to week and half.
Below: with Céleste in our favourite spot in the forest next door, where I'd often come with Wenusia when she was pregnant. The threat of forest fire has been much reduced.
This time last year:
Days such as this will come back
All along the watchtowers
Blossom, sunshine and trains, Chynów
A better tomorrow for the soul
Blossom time in Jakubowizna - the apples
This time 13 years ago:
Reflection upon the City Car
This time 15 years ago:
Biblical sky
This time 16 years ago:
Travel broadens the spirit
[Today I'd argue that not travelling deepens the spirit]
This time 17 years ago:
Welcome the Ice Saints
This time 19 years ago:
On the farm next door
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