IRVINE, CA - Good morning, AndNowUKnow readers!

Today, I am bringing you some of the category and weather news from around the industry. Check back twice weekly to see the latest around all growing regions.

RAIN LEAVING ITS MARK, NEXT COMES COLD TEMPERATURES TO CULIACÁN

Culiacán and the other growing regions of Sinaloa received between 1.25” to 1.50” of rain Sunday night through Monday. Today, there is still a 60 percent of an additional .25” or rain. This rain halted harvest yesterday and will most likely today as well. As the rain finally moves out tomorrow, expect cold temperatures on the backside of the storm. Expect Wednesday night’s low to be 40° with an occasional tempearture in the high 30°s in isolated areas. Thursday night will have a low of 44° and Thursday a low of 49°.

Expect volumes to drop, markets to tighten, and prices to rise this week in Nogales on all items as a consequence of this rain and colder temperatures. Also, look for quality issues due to rain damage on all items. If you can still pick up some cheap fruit today, you might want to buy an extra load or two.

COLD TEMPERATURES ACROSS THE WEST TONIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY

The same storm system that hit Sinaloa will also bring cold temperatures to major growing regions throughout California, Arizona, and Baja CA, Mexico.

The Coachella Valley had a minimum temperature last night of 38° and tonight will be 33°. It won’t be until Thursday that the lows are back in the 40°s. The maximum temperatures are also very cool, reaching only into the low 60°s. Yuma is also cool but not as bad as Coachella with temperatures about 5° warmer across-the-board.

Oxnard had a minimum temperature last night of 38° and will see 39° tonight. Maximum temperatures these last two days were only in the upper 50°s. Look for a dip in production.

Strawberry regions of Vizcaíno in Baja CA will dip into the mid 30°s tonight and tomorrow night. Look for daily highs to reach only to 66° for the next few days. Look for a dip in production from this area.

FREEZE WARNING FOR CITRUS REGION OF SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

Same storm system as mentioned above will bring freezing temperatures to the San Joaquin Valley of California tonight and tomorrow.

Last night was the coldest night of the week dipping into the upper 20°s in the citrus regions of Bakersfield, Visalia, and Orange Cove. Tonight will also be in the upper 20°s and low 30°s for tomorrow.

You should check with shippers to see if harvest or crop will be affected.

Thank you as always! We will be back later this week with another report.

Weathermelon