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.

MORE RAIN COMING TO CALIFORNIA

On Tuesday we had mentioned it appeared California might be out of the rain cycle, but new storms have developed over the past few days that are predicted to hit next week.

The first storm will hit Monday, bringing possible rain to growing locations in the northern half of the state. Salinas along the coast may see some light showers as well as the Sacramento Valley area in the center of the state.

A chance for heavier rain will come next Friday and Saturday, April 5 and 6. This storm is predicted to come further south and hit regions such as Oxnard on the coast and Bakersfield in the San Joaquin Valley. Over the two-day period Salinas and Santa Maria may see up .6” while locations in the northern end of the San Joaquin valley will see up to .75”.

Look for harvests to possibly be affected out of Salinas and Santa Maria during these days. Broccoli and cauliflower are currently coming from these regions. Strawberries are also beginning. Asparagus out of central California has also started and could be affected by the rain.

Obviously, this can all change over the next 10 days so we will keep you informed as we get closer.

WARM TEMPS STILL COMING TO CA

The warmer temperatures we talked about on Tuesday are still coming this weekend and into next week. The desert regions will see a maximum temperature of 91° on Sunday and Monday. The citrus regions of Visalia and Bakersfield will see maximum temperatures of 76° on Sunday and 80° on Monday. Oxnard will reach of high of 77° on Sunday and Monday. Temperatures across the state will cool off a bit on Tuesday and Wednesday but will climb again by Thursday. For the regions not affected by rains, look for good volumes and quality.

RAIN IN FLORIDA IS A BUST

On Tuesday, we informed you of rain forecasted next week for all regions of Florida. As of today, the possibilities and locations of rain have been greatly reduced.

In the southern half of the state, the current forecast is for a 40% chance of light showers from Tuesday to Thursday. Belle Glade, Homestead, and Immokalee will see 0.1” over the three days.

The heaviest rain will be isolated in the northern section of the state in areas such as Alachua, where the blueberry harvest has begun. This region will see up to .5” on the Monday and Tuesday.

Temperatures across the state will be in the mid-80°s (the high) and mid-60°s (the low).

Cantaloupe regions of Plant City and Zolfo Springs are getting close to the beginning of harvest. Look for the first shipments the week of April 22. Watermelons out of Florida should also begin about the same time.

MEXICO - CULIACAN

Temperatures will remain hot for the next ten days, with highs in the 90°s and lows in the upper 50°s. Look for production numbers to remain strong.

CIUDAD OBREGON

Look for temperatures in the 90°s through Monday. Tuesday through Friday will see high temperatures in the upper 80°s and then back in the 90°s by next Saturday. If production hasn’t started already in this area it is close. This production will only add to volumes coming from Culiacan in Nogales. Maybe look for pricing to come off on most items.

EL BAJIO

Central Mexico region will see perfect conditions over the next ten days with highs in the mid- to upper 80°s and lows in the low 50°s. Lettuces and wet vegetables are coming from these regions.

TORREON

This major growing region in the northeastern state of Chihuahua is also experiencing perfect growing conditions with high temperatures in the upper 80°s to mid-90°s over the next ten days and low temperatures in the mid-50°s. This is another major spring/summer growing region for shadehouse veg. We should begin to see production out of this area sometime next month.

MICHIOACAN

All avocado and berry regions of Michoacán are experiencing perfect weather. High temperatures range from the mid-80°s to the lower 90°s, depending on the location. Lows range from the upper 40°s to the mid-50°s.

BAJA CALIFORNIA

Growing regions of the Baja peninsula will see the same warmer temperatures hitting California over the weekend. San Quintin will max out at 78° on Sunday and Monday, while Vizcaino will see high temperatures of 92° for the same days. Minimum temperatures will be in the mid-50°s. This is great weather for strawberries coming from these regions that ship through San Diego.

Thank you again for your support, and we will be back next week with another update.

Weathermelon