Weathermelon Weather Report - January 24, 2020
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.
FLORIDA SAW FREEZING TEMPERATURES TUESDAY NIGHT INTO WEDNESDAY MORNING
The temperatures Wednesday morning in Florida dropped lower than what was originally projected. Immokalee was projected to have a minimum temperature of 36°, but ended up dropping to 32° for two hours Wednesday morning. The temperature dropped to 34° at 4:00 am Wednesday morning and then dropped to 32° at 5:00, where it stayed until 7:30. The temperature finally rose above 35° around 8:00am.
Growing in Immokalee right now are tomatoes, bell peppers, green beans, cukes, eggplant, and corn. You should check with shippers with regard to any immediate damage to the fruit, but also take into consideration possible bloom drop due to these temperatures, which will lead to less fruit weeks down the road. Mark your calendars to plan for possible drops in production.
Wednesday morning, Plant City saw temperatures at 34° or below from 4:00 to 8:00, with two hours at 32° from 5:30 to 7:30 am. This region is big in strawberries, which can better tolerate this colder weather.
Belle Glade didn’t seem to experience such cold temperatures Wednesday morning with minimums only dropping into the low 40°s. Check with shippers to see if any complications arise from these temperatures.
These extreme cold temperatures were a one-night phenomenon. By Wednesday night / Thursday morning minimum temperatures were back in the mid-50°s, where they will stay for at least the next ten days.
HEAT WAVE COMING TO WEST LATE NEXT WEEK
Temperatures in California and Arizona are forecast to be average for the next seven days. On Saturday, February 1, the temperatures will significantly rise as coastal regions such as Oxnard and Santa Maria will see high temperatures reach into the mid-70°s. The desert regions of Yuma and Coachella will reach into the mid-80°s. These warmer temperatures will continue into the first week of February. Look for good volume and quality on products out of these regions.
The remainder of U.S. regions and Mexico are forecast to experience normal temperatures for this time of year.
Thank you as always! We will be back next week with another report.
