ABSTRACT The problem of precipitation deficits constitutes an issue that is significant on a global, re-gional, and local scale, particularly in the aspect of climate warming. The purpose of this research was to determine the amount, frequency and trends of precipitation deficits in the cultivation of winter wheat in central and eastern Poland, over a period of fifty years (from 1971 to 2020). This study used the values of average monthly air temperatures, as well as monthly total precipitation, decadal precipitation needs of winter wheat within central and eastern Poland. Based on the performed research, both spatial and temporal differences were observed in the scope of the amount and frequency of precipitation deficits in the cultivation of winter wheat. The lowest risk of precipitation deficits was found in May (from 15% to 32%), which is a critical month in the cultivation of this plant in Poland, while the highest risk of precipitation deficits was observed in June (from 22% to 56%), which is an unfavourable phenomenon, because winter wheat is in the so-called grain filling phase since mid-June. It was also found that there is a statistically significant upward trend of the winter wheat’s precipitation needs in April, June, and July. An increase in the inflow of warm and dry air masses from the southern sectors was one of the factors impacting the amount and frequency of precipitation deficits in the cultivation of wheat. The problem of climate warming that has been increasing in recent years, and – as a consequence – an increase in precipitation deficit during the growing season of plants, demonstrate the need for further research in this scope.