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.
PARTY IS OVER IN CALIFORNIA – RAINS RETURN THIS WEEK
After a weekend of beautiful weather in California, the winter storm pattern that the state has seen for the last two months will return this week. As of right now, there are three storms lined up out in the Pacific with potential to bring rain and cold weather to California.
The first and best chance of rain will be tomorrow. Rain totals will be anywhere from .25 to 1.00” throughout the state. Temperatures by Wednesday will be 10° to 20° cooler than weekend highs depending on region. The San Joaquin Valley region as well as coastal growing regions of Salinas, Santa Maria, and Oxnard will all see maximum temperatures only in the mid-60°s and minimum temperatures on the mid-40°s. These temperatures will last well into next week.
There is another chance of rain on Saturday and then a slight possibility of rain for next Wednesday, March 27.
The desert regions will see temperatures drop this week as well, but at this time there is no chance of rain from these storms.
We will have an update on Friday as to any impact rain and cold temperatures will have on stonefruit and cherry blooms.
PERSIAN LIMES TO REMAIN LIGHT
Temperatures in the eastern coastal state of Veracruz remain cool with daily chances of rain through Thursday of this week. Look for supplies to remain light throughout the week. There won’t be any relief in the weather until Friday.
SOUTHERN FLORIDA TO SEE RAIN
Southern Florida growing regions to see a good shot of rain today. Immokalee, Belle Glade, and Homestead will all see over 1.25” of rain today. There is a slight chance of rain for tomorrow and then more rain for next Monday and Tuesday. Temperatures in these regions will remain relatively warm.
BLUEBERRIES EXPERIENCING COOL WEATHER
Several blueberry growing regions of Chile are currently seeing unseasonably cool weather. Growing regions such as Arauco, Linares, Rancagua, and Temuco are experiencing minimum temperatures in the low 40°s, with some isolated locations dropping down into the 30°s. Even though summer is winding down in this part of the world, these temperatures are about 10° to 15° below normal.
Here in the U.S., the central Florida growing regions of Plant City and Alachua, which are gearing up for the start of blueberry harvest, will experience cool temperatures today through Friday. These regions will see maximum temperatures right around 70° and minimum temperatures in the upper 40°s to low 50°s.
Let’s see if these temperatures affect production numbers. Temperatures should return to normal by Friday of this week.
SPRING HAS SPRUNG IN GEORGIA
Georgia currently is experiencing cool temperatures with lows in the 40°s, but come Saturday, things will begin to turn and temperatures will begin to rise. Next week will see maximum temperatures in the high 70°s to low 80°s and minimum temperatures in the mid- to upper 50°s. Starting next month, we should see spring berries coming from Georgia.
Thank you again for your support, and we will be back later this week with another update.