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.

ANOTHER STORM HEADED FOR CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRIES

There is a storm destined to hit California growing regions next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The rain is predicted to start Monday night with the bulk of the rain coming Tuesday and lingering into Wednesday. Total rainfall over the three days is anticipated to be between .50” to 1” depending on the area. The majority of the rain will fall in the southern half of the state, hitting strawberry regions of Oxnard and Irvine. Totals in these regions will be 1.0”+. Although California is currently a small player in strawberries compared to Florida, if you are pulling from California you might want to take notice.

The desert regions will not escape this storm with Coachella receiving up to .50”. Santa Maria, which is about 100 miles north of Oxnard along the coast, is expected to see close to .75”.

CULIACÁN TO SEE MAJOR WARM UP NEXT WEEK

Starting tomorrow, temperatures in Culiacán will begin a five-day rise, most likely bring on more production. Temperatures this week have been in the upper 80°s in the region but starting tomorrow, look for max temperatures to reach into the 90°s and continue rising, reaching a maximum of 96° on Tuesday before beginning to cool down again toward the weekend. Although the highs will be cooler toward the weekend, temperatures will remain in the 90°s all week.

Look for production numbers across the board on all products to pickup next week.

FLORIDA WILL COOL OFF THIS WEEKEND

Temperatures in the southern Florida growing regions of Belle Glade and Immokalee had a maximum temperature yesterday of 93° but will be dramatically cooler today only reaching 76° and by tomorrow will only be 70°. The maximum temperatures will remain in the 70°s through Monday, and by Tuesday will climb back into the 80°s but will not see the 90°s at all next week.

Further north in the strawberry region of Plant City, temperatures will cool off even more with highs only reaching into the 60°s on Sunday, while lows will be in the 40°s tonight and tomorrow night.

Possible dip in production over the next few days due to these cooler temperatures.

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

Weathermelon