The analysis of continuous monitoring data on surface ozone concentrations during summer heat waves in July and August 2010 and 2016 in a low-urbanized region of European Russia, Kirov region is presented. The values of the maximum short-term (peak) recorded values, obtained at 20-minute, 1-hour and 8-hour averaging, were analyzed. Under close temperature conditions, the amplitudes and durations of peak ozone concentrations in 2016 significantly exceeded the values observed in 2010. One of the possible reasons for this difference may be associated with an increase in the concentration of ozone precursors in the region’s atmosphere.

Surface ozone is considered as a risk factor for crop production in the territory of central Russia. The known mechanisms of the effect of ozone on plants are given, and the levels of ozone in the surface atmosphere that are dangerous for various groups of plants are discussed. The data of long-term monitoring of tropospheric ozone in central Russia (Vyatskiye Polyany town) are given, which indicate that due to the ongoing climate change and the increase in atmospheric pollution with nitrogen oxides, volatile hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, even in central Russia with a moderate non-hot climate there is a significant increase in the ozone content of the surface atmosphere. Moreover, the doses of exposure to ground-level ozone, which can be exposed to plants in central Russia, are comparable and even exceed the levels considered safe.