Water levels are rising: hydrologists are forecasting a prolonged flood season
23 March 18:34
In Ukraine this year, the spring flood season began earlier than the long-term average—in late February to early March.
This was reported by Viktoria Korniyenko, head of the hydrological forecasting department at the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center, in a comment to Ukrinform, as reported by "Komersant Ukrainian".
When the spring flood began
According to the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center, the spring flood season began in late February–early March 2026, earlier than usual.
This shift is attributed to:
- a thaw at the end of winter;
- rapid snowmelt;
- rains that increased the inflow of water into rivers.
Where rising water levels have already been observed
In the second half of February on the rivers:
- the Southern Bug basin
- the Siverskyi Donets sub-basin, a snowmelt-rain flood began to form due to the thaw.
According to hydrologists, the situation was complicated by:
- active water management activities;
- significant surface runoff;
- natural rises in river levels.
This has led to a deterioration of the hydrological situation in certain areas.
Where flooding is possible
Hydrologists warn that risks of negative consequences from the spring flood may arise in the future:
- on the tributaries of the Middle Dnieper
- on the Dnipro River
- on the Desna River.
It was also previously reported that flooding of floodplains is possible on the following rivers:
- Kyiv Oblast;
- Kharkiv Oblast;
- Chernihiv Oblast;
- Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
How long will the spring flood last?
According to long-term observations:
- the main phase of the spring flood lasts from March to April;
- on large rivers, particularly the Dnipro and Desna, it can last until June.
The duration of floods depends primarily on:
- air temperature;
- precipitation;
- the rate of snowmelt.
What will happen next with river water levels
Hydrologists also do not rule out another scenario in the second half of the year.
If there is a significant precipitation deficit in the summer and fall, Ukraine could experience low water levels—a period of low water levels in rivers.
What is the spring flood
Spring flood is a regular seasonal phenomenon in Ukraine.
It occurs due to snowmelt and spring rains, which lead to rising water levels in major rivers and their tributaries.
In some years, this can cause localized flooding of settlements and agricultural land.
