June 2, 2023, 10:47 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The term “sheep cold” refers to a specific weather phenomenon that can bring cold and sometimes even ground frost just before the start of summer. Hobby gardeners may need to unpack the fleece again and protect their plants. What does 2023 look like?
There were times when people had to pay attention to weather phenomena. Only those who were knowledgeable about the weather and planned ahead could secure a successful harvest and thus their livelihood. But what exactly is the weather phenomenon known as the “sheep cold”–and what can we expect in 2023? myHOMEBOOK asked a weather expert.
What is the Sheep Cold?
Between June 10 and 20, a cold air surge often originating from Iceland and Greenland causes a drastic temperature drop in Central Europe. Unstable, rainy weather accompanies this event. Due to the precipitation-rich conditions, sailors once called this weather period the “European summer monsoon.” During the sheep cold, temperatures drop significantly below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and at night they fall into the single digits. Ground frost is even possible in certain areas.
The sheep cold does not occur every year. “On average, the probability of occurrence is about 70 percent,” explains meteorologist and head of the Berlin Weather Manufactory Jörg Riemann in response to a query from myHOMEBOOK.
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What Will the Sheep Cold Be Like in 2023?
This year, we have nothing to fear, says Riemann: “There are indications that little will change in the current weather before mid-June.” However, there are also signs that precipitation activity may increase somewhat from the south starting in mid-June, he further explains. Some media report that a heat wave is approaching. Riemann does not want to confirm this: “It is not very reliable to try to predict something over months. Of course, the risk that it will be warmer than usual is higher than the risk that it will be colder.”
Also interesting: Does a lot of rain in March really mean a bad harvest?
By the way: The name “sheep cold” is due to the traditional shearing of sheep. In the past, the animals were shorn in the spring. A drastic cold snap can become threatening, especially when the animals are driven to higher pastures. For this reason, mother sheep and lambs are now shorn only at the end of June.
Do You Need to Protect Your Plants from the Sheep Cold?
Hobby gardeners should be particularly attentive during this special weather period. Not only is the cold a threat to some outdoor plants, but high precipitation levels can also cause damage in the garden bed. But first the good news: Hobby gardeners generally do not need to worry about the fruits and vegetables grown in the garden. For many plants, short-term cold is not dangerous. Especially in June, many varieties have already bloomed and developed fruits, so they are past the worst.
An increased amount of precipitation can be somewhat more problematic, Riemann explains. Strawberries can rot if it is too wet, and bees are less active. Those who want to be on the safe side can cover their beds with fleece or brushwood. This provides decent insulation and helps plants still in the growth phase get through the cold weather unscathed.
Note: Special attention should be paid to potted plants, especially if they are exotic varieties. Lemons or avocados are best placed in a warm environment, such as a greenhouse, during the sheep cold.