The summer of 2025 could be one of the most extreme in recent decades. Forecasters are warning of abnormally high temperatures, an increase in thunderstorms, squalls, hail, and a possible hydrological drought that threatens not only crops but also water supplies in some regions.
This is stated in a study published by OBOZ.UA with reference to Ukrainian meteorologists.
According to Candidate of Geographical Sciences Vira Balabukh, Ukraine is already feeling the effects of climate change. The main threat is drought, caused by a decrease in the water level in rivers, the draining of swamps, and the drop in the groundwater level. This problem affects the southern and northern regions the most, in particular the Mykolaiv region, the Kherson region, and even Polissya, which until recently was considered a zone with excess moisture.
In such conditions, the risk of large-scale wildfires increases, especially in the spring and summer. The disappearance of small rivers and the degradation of aquatic ecosystems could have long-term consequences for the entire country.
In addition to the heat, summer will bring other climatic challenges. Head of the meteorological forecast department of the Ukrhydrometeorological Center, Natalia Golenya, warned of an increase in the frequency and intensity of dangerous atmospheric phenomena - hail, squalls, downpours, and thunderstorms.
"The hot air mass, which will change to a colder one, will contribute to the formation of storm clouds. This can provoke gusty winds, heavy rains and hail, which cause particular damage to the agricultural sector," the forecaster explained.
Given these forecasts, the government and local authorities should prepare now for potential crises — both water and agricultural. Ensuring a stable water supply, fire prevention, crop insurance, and public awareness may be key elements in responding to the challenges of the coming summer.
