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.

FREEZING TEMPS COMING TO WEST FLORIDA TOMATO REGIONS

Starting today, look for temperatures in and around the Quincy, Florida, growing regions to begin a downward slide that will culminate next Tuesday with minimum temperatures touching the freezing mark.

Look for the minimum temperature to only reach 43° tonight, which is a drop of 20° from yesterday. Today’s maximum temperature will only reach 66°. These cooler temperatures will continue through the weekend. Next Tuesday, a storm will come through the area dropping the temperatures even more in which will see the minimum drop to 32° on Tuesday and Wednesday. Come Thursday, the minimum temperatures will be back into the 40°s, but by then the damage will be done. Could cause serious damage to plants.

Although Central and Southern Florida are coming online with their winter tomato crops, western Florida is still a significant player. Expect growers to go in and pick heavy before the cold temperatures come next week.

SOUTHERN GEORGIA TO FREEZE NEXT WEEK—THANKSGIVING GREEN BEANS MAY BE LOST

The first frost of the season is coming to Georgia next week. The same cold weather hitting northern Florida next week will take its toll on southern Georgia as well. The regions of Sumpter County, Moultrie, and Quitman will all see freezing temperatures next Monday and Tuesday night. Tuesday, November 12, will be the coldest of the two nights with forecast temperatures to drop to 30°. Wednesday night is expected to be 32°.

Look for the green bean crops to be wiped out. Other items currently coming from this region are bell peppers, sweet corn, cucumbers, eggplant, greens, and squash. If you are pulling from these areas, take precautions and stock up now.

EXPECT HOT TEMPERATURES TO EXCELERATE YUMA LETTUCE

After a cooler than normal October and first few days of November in Yuma, things have changed and temperatures are really heating up.

October saw a significant amount of days with average daily temperatures below normal in Yuma with the coldest temperatures coming in the last seven days of the month and the first few days of November. Average temperatures for these days were more than 10° below normal.

Temperatures began to make the change this past Monday and now appear to be on a hot streak for at least the next ten days. Look for maximum temperatures to be 90° over the next ten days with minimum temperatures in the low 60°s. You couldn’t ask for better weather. Look for production of lettuce and other crops to start within the next ten days.

Coachella Valley is experiencing the same weather. Look for product to start there within the next week.

Thank you as always for your support. We will be back next week with another report.

Weathermelon