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 where the rain is falling, the sun is shining, and everything in between.
Temperatures return to normal out west but another round of heat is coming
The heat wave that engulfed most of the western growing areas, bringing above normal temperatures the last six days, came to an end yesterday. Temperatures for the most part have returned close to normal in all regions.
Although the heat is over, you might want to keep a close eye on quality of products coming from certain regions out west at least for a few more days.
The heat can be good for some regions and commodities to help bring on the crop faster, but for other items the heat can be detrimental to the quality. In areas such as the Coachella Valley that saw six days above 110°, peaking at 116° on Wednesday, the heat may have caused some issues to commodities such as tomatoes and melons coming from the region.
In Salinas, where the temperatures last week got above 100° for two consecutive days, you might want to be on the lookout for quality issues for lettuces and other wet veg items.
We have no idea if this is the case, but you might want to check with your shippers to be on the safe side.
Next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, expect these same warmer temperatures to return to most growing regions. The deserts will see temperatures once again above 110° and San Joaquin Valley cities will see maximum temperatures above 100°. The coastal regions will also see warmer temperatures. By Friday, June 21, temperatures will cool off once again.
Warmer temperatures continue in the BC, Canada, cherry regions
The cherry regions of BC, Canada, which have also experienced above average temperatures the last week or so, will continue to see maximum temperatures in the upper 80°s (10° above normal) through Monday. By Tuesday of next week, things will change, and maximum temperatures will drop down into the 70°s with a slight chance of rain next Tuesday and Wednesday, depending on the exact region. Please check the app for more specific information.
Rain coming to Michigan today and tomorrow
There is a 100 percent chance of rain today and tomorrow in the cherry growing regions of Michigan, near Traverse City and Oceana County. Traverse City should see approximately 1.00” today and another 1.00” tomorrow. There is also sporadic rain predicted for other parts of Michigan, affecting other commodities coming from the region. Please check the app for more specifics.
Freezing temps coming to Citrus regions of Chile
The citrus growing regions of Chile (where they are currently in production) will experience five consecutive nights of near freezing temperatures starting today. Next Monday, June 17, will be the coldest night of them all with minimum temperatures dipping down to 30°. Maximum temperatures during this snap will only be in the 50°s. Come Tuesday, things will change with highs back into the 60°s and lows in the 40°s, which is normal for this time of year. Not sure if these low temperatures will have any affect on the crop, but it is definitely something to keep your eye on as things can change and temperatures can drop even further.
Typical seasonal weather in Mexico for the next ten days
Nothing major to report coming from the Mexican growing regions. Areas that should be hot and dry this time of year (such as Torreón, Coahuila) will see highs in the 100°s and lows in the 70°s. Expect volumes and quality of shade house veg coming from this region to remain strong.
Areas in central Mexico have now entered the rainy season with daily possibilities of rain. Please check the app to see specific commodities from these regions.
Baja, California, right now is experiencing perfect weather, with maximum temperatures in the 70°s and minimum temperatures in the low 60°s. Expect volumes on shade house veg to continue strong.
Thanks again, and we'll be back next week with another weather report!
