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.

FEELING HOT HOT HOT IN CALIFORNIA THIS WEEKEND…BE CAREFUL WITH QUALITY

Starting this Thursday, get ready for extreme high temperatures to hit the state, possibly affecting quality of many commodities.

In the southern deserts where grapes are still being harvested, look for a high of 115° on Thursday and 118° on Friday. Saturday through next Tuesday will experience a high of 116°. Low temperatures will remain extremely warm during these six days, around 87°. We might see quality issues with these temperatures.

The San Joaquin Valley will also see warmer temperatures starting Thursday, with highs expected to reach 106° by Saturday. These warmer temperatures will last through Tuesday, July 16. Low temperatures during this spell will be in the mid-70°s.

Even the Salinas Valley won’t be able to escape the heat. The city of Salinas, at the northeastern end of the valley near the ocean, will only see highs warm up in the upper 70°s. The city of Soledad, toward the southern end of the valley, will see maximum temperatures well above 90° tomorrow through next Monday. The hottest day will be Saturday, with the maximum temperature possibly reaching 100°. Look for possible quality issues on lettuces and other wet veg coming from this area.

Why does this matter? Well, this kind of extreme heat is tough on plants as well as the fruit. We might see an increase of production over the next week or so but be careful of quality issues. It not only affects the fruit ready for harvest but can also be detrimental to the plant and future fruit growth. In addition, the heat could also affect markets in the longer term, so companies might want to plan ahead this week when buying.

TROPICAL DEPRESSION LIKELY TO FORM BRINGING HEAVY RAIN TO GULF COAST STATES

There is a high possibility of a hurricane forming over the next five days. Here is the latest from the National Hurricane Service:

“A trough of low pressure located over central Georgia is forecast to move southward toward the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, where a broad area of low pressure is expected to form on Wednesday. Environmental and ocean conditions are forecast to be conducive for development and a tropical depression is likely to form by the end of the week while the low moves slowly westward over northern Gulf of Mexico. Regardless of development, this system has the potential to produce heavy rainfall along portions of the northern and eastern U.S. Gulf Coast later this week. For more information about the rainfall threat, please see products issued by your local weather forecast office and the NOAA Weather Prediction Center. Interests along the Gulf Coast from the Upper Texas coast to the western Florida peninsula should monitor the progress of this system.”

*Formation chance through 48 hours...low...30 percent.

*Formation chance through 5 days...high...80 percent.

HIGH TEMPERATURES RETURN TO MICHIGAN EARLY NEXT WEEK

Michigan had a reprieve last week from the extended extreme high temperatures it experienced late last month, but things will soon change. Tomorrow will once again see a high temperature of 90° before cooling off on Wednesday. But, come Sunday, maximum temperatures again will reach into the 90°s, where it will remain until at least next Wednesday, July 17.

There is also little or no chance of rain over the next ten days. Look for possible quality issues on product from these regions.

Thanks again, and we'll be back later this week with another weather report!

Weathermelon