California Looking at Possible Freeze on Navels
Central San Joaquin Valley, CA -
By ANUK Staff
1.10.13
Freezing temperatures are in store for California Navel oranges at the end of the week, causing citrus growers to take precautions.
According to John Hibler, the entire San Joaquin Valley will be at risk for a Navel orange freeze, especially the Tulare through Kern counties, but even including Madera and Fresno. Disturbing model information indicated temperatures in the low to mid 20s are possible Friday night through Monday night and potentially through the middle of next week.
Temperatures could stay below 28° for as long as eight hours Friday and Monday night.
“It would not be a total shock to see a few unprotected low spots drop below the 20° mark for a few hours,” said Hibler.
Tracy Jones, Vice President of Domestic Sales, Booth Ranches, notes that the company will have wind machines on all acreage in production. If the temperature falls down into a danger zone then the wind machines will be turned on. This year’s crop has had excellent sugar levels in the fruit, she tells us. Fruit with sugar has better chance to withstand any damages that can occur from cold weather.
If Mother Nature is merciful, a Canadian low-pressure system could potentially raise temperatures. The system is projected to move southward into central California Saturday night and Sunday which could cause temperatures to hold in the upper 20s and lower 30s on Sunday morning.
“One model looks dry while others are somewhere in between but at least there is a chance of showers and more importantly: cloud cover,” said Hibler.
Conversely, an Alaskan high pressure system could turn towards the northeast causing a flow towards the southwest into California which is extremely dangerous.
“That is yet another recipe that can squeeze more cold dry air onto the valley floor for what appears to be some critical nights early next week.”
