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.
CULIACAN COOL ALL WEEK
The production slowdown in Culiacan has begun. Sunday night and last night saw a minimum temperature of 48°. Tonight will be the coldest night of the week, with a minimum of 44°. The minimum temperatures are predicted to remain in the high 40°s through Monday, February 25th. Maximum temperatures this week will be in the high 70°s and low 80°s. Production will be affected. Please take precautions to not be caught off guard as supplies tighten.
FLORIDA CONTINUES ITS HEATWAVE
Look to Florida to replace volumes this week that will be lost in Culiacan. Florida is right in the middle of a heat wave, with all major growing regions experiencing temperatures 10 to 15° above normal. Belle Glade, Immokalee, Homestead, and Plant City are all experiencing maximum temperatures in the mid to upper 80°s and low temps in the mid to upper 60°s. These warmer than normal temperatures will last into the middle of next week at least.
This heat wave Florida is experiencing will probably bring the state's peach deal on a little earlier this year. We will do some more investigation about this and bring you a report on Friday.
FREEZING TEMPERATURES IN THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY MAJORITY OF WEEK
More freezing temperatures in the SJV this week. These freezing temperatures are expected to last all week. Look for issues to the citrus harvest and any vegetables that may be coming from these regions, such as asparagus and broccoli.
Another major issue that may come from these freezes is damage to the early flowering of almonds and peaches. As we move into the second half of February, there should be some early varieties already blossoming. We will do some more research on this over the next few days and will have more details for you on Friday. These freezing temperatures are expected to last through Friday night. There is also a chance of some rain on Wednesday up and down the SJV. The highest possibility of rain will come tomorrow with up to .5 inch.
ROUGH WINTER CONTINUES IN CENTRAL COAST OF CALIFORNIA
Oxnard and Santa Maria are experiencing a tough winter. Over the weekend, fields were still wet, preventing harvesters from getting in and picking strawberries. Now, this week, these two regions will experience cold temperatures at night, getting down into the mid to lower 30°s. The max temps will mostly be in the mid-50°s this week. This should keep production detained even more. These regions won’t see highs in the 60°s and minimums in the 40°s until this Sunday or Monday of next week at the earliest.
BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO RAIN THIS WEEK
Ensenada Mexico will see rain on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, which will most likely affect strawberries coming from this region. The region will see up to 1 inch of rain over the next two days. It will also experience below average temperatures, with highs remaining in the mid 50°s and lows in the upper 30°s to low 40°s.
Thank you again for your support, and we will be back later this week with another update.
