Cold and Rain in Store for the Valley and Central Coast
California
By ANUK Staff
4.2.13
Cold temperatures and rain are forecast for growing regions in the central coast and San Joaquin Valley, presenting the looming possibility of damage for growers of strawberries and table grapes.
The possibility of a thunderstorm and small hail is present in the San Joaquin Valley as a low pressure trough moves out of California and the Great Basin. Rains are expected in the north and central valley, while leaving the south valley dry. Growers can expect up to a quarter inch of rain in the north valley and less than .05 in Fresno.
Strawberries could be hurt by substantial rains and strong winds, representing a major concern in all of the berry growing regions
Another cold trough could move down the valley April 8 – 9th with the potential to bring rains and lows a few degrees below freezing in the typically colder central and south valley areas April 10 – 11th.
In southern Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties, cold weather is expected to hit the mid 20s around April 9th in in valleys where grapes are grown. The preceding mild weather will cause a lot of shoots to be out on the vine and susceptible to temperatures below 32.
If temperatures get low enough, frost control measures will have to be taken for table grapes around Delano and Wasco.
Growers in the San Joaquin Valley often use wind machines and helicopters to battle lows under 32 degrees.
