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.

FLORIDA GROWING REGIONS TO SEE SUMMER-LIKE TEMPERATURES

The entire southern half of Florida will begin a major warming trend this week that will last well into the next. All regions from Orlando south, including Plant City, Immokalee, Belle Glade, and Homestead will see temperatures rise by 20-30° by the end of the week.

Plant City

This major strawberry region will see tempeartures jump an average of 25° over the next five days. Yesterday’s maximum of 67° and minimum of 42° will reach 87° and 71° respectively by Sunday.

Belle Glade

This major row crop region will see temperatures rising an average of 17° this week. Yesterday’s maximum of 71° and minimum of 50° will give way to temperatures of 85° and 70° respectively by Sunday.

Immokalee

This major mature-green tomato region will see temperatures jump an average of 18° by this weekend. Yesterday’s maximum of 73° and minimum of 48° will jump to 88° and 69° respectively by Sunday.

These warmer temperatures will last well at least through next Thursday. Look for production numbers of all commodities across-the-board to rise.

TEMPERATURES OUT WEST TRENDING COOLER

Temperatures in California yesterday were above normal with maximum temperatures of 77° in Oxnard and 72°in Santa Maria. These are your coastal growing areas still shipping strawberries and veg such as broccoli, cauliflower, celery, and lettuces. Temperatures will begin to cool starting today and by tomorrow expect maximum temperatures to only reach the low 60°s and minimum temperatures in the lower 40°s. These cooler temperatures will continue into next week when we might see temperatures go even lower.

We will update you again on Friday but expect volumes to come off slightly.

MEXICO STABLE FOR NEXT TEN DAYS

Mexico can expect normal temperatures and precipitation over the next ten days.

Culiacán

This major winter shade house growing region saw some cool minimum temperatures last week in the mid-40°s but temperatures have returned to normal over the weekend. Expect maximum temperatures in the mid-80°s, with minimums in the mid-50°s for the next ten days. The only exception will be Friday night when the minimum temperature is expected to dip to 47°. We will update you on Friday. Look for volumes to continue rising out of this region as the season finally gets into gear.

Michoacán/Jalisco

The berry and avocado regions of these states will also see great weather over the next ten days. Expect maximum temperatures throughout the region in the mid to upper 70°s and minimum temperatures in the mid to upper 40°s. Zamora, Michoacán, may even see maximum temperatures into the 80°s later this week. Expect strawberry numbers to continue strong out of this region. Mexico is currently the number one shipper of strawberries by volume.

Guanajuato

The “El Bajio” region located near the cities of Celaya and Leon, Guanajuato, which is a major player in row crops out of Mexico, will see below normal minimum temperatures tonight, dipping down to around 35°. These temperatures are about 10° below normal for this time of year. By tomorrow temperatures will rise and will remain about average for the next ten days. Expect maximum temperaturs in the upper 70°s and minimum temperatures in the mid to upper 40°s for the remainder of the week.

REGIONS OF CHILE TO WARM THIS WEEK

The growing regions of central Chile, specifically Santiago, Rancagua, and San Felipe will all see temperatures warm this week. Expect maximum temperatures to rise about 10°s over the next few days and reach a high of 90° by this Saturday where they will remain through at least Wednesday of next week. These regions are where grapes and stone fruit will be coming from for the next few months.

Thank you as always! We will be back later this week with another report.

Weathermelon