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.

SERIOUS AMOUNT OF RAIN COMING TO LIME COUNTRY THIS WEEKEND

Get ready for a possible reduction of volume in limes next week, and at the same time a possible increase in quality issues.

Starting tomorrow, a large storm front is forecast to hit the Martinez de la Torre, Veracruz region, dumping over 4” of rain between Saturday to Monday. The heaviest rain will come Sunday. Along with the rain will come cooler temperatures for Monday and Tuesday.

Look for a possible pause in harvests on Monday and Tuesday of next week. Also keep you eye open for rain damage on the fruit that hits McAllen, Texas, next week. Harvesting too soon after a rain or while the fruit is damp can lead to black spots on the fruit.

COLD WEATHER TO PAUSE FLORIDA PRODUCTION

After 10 consecutive days of above average temperatures in the major Florida growing regions, colder temperatures and possible rain to come through the state. Temperatures will begin to drop starting Sunday with minimum temperatures dipping into the 40°s.

On Monday, the minimum temperature in Plant City (strawberries) will be in the 30°s and will reach the lowest point Tuesday night getting down to 36°. By Wednesday, the nightly minimum will be 47° and then into the 50°s by Thursday. Maximum temperatures will remain in the low 60°s. Look for a dip in production.

In Belle Glade (row crops) temperatures will also drop, but not as much as Plant City. Look for minimum temperatures in the mid 40°s on Monday and Tuesday of next week while maximum temperatures will remain in the mid 60°s. Expect production to dip a bit next week.

By Saturday, January 25, look for temperatures to return to normal throughout the state.

WARMER TEMPERATURES COMING TO THE WEST

A warming trend is forecast for the inland western growing regions starting this weekend. In the deserts of California and Arizona, look for maximum temperatures to climb into the mid to upper 70°s Sunday through Tuesday of next week. Coachella could see a high of 80° next Tuesday. These above average temperatures may help production coming from these regions on everything from lettuces to strawberries to broccoli.

Temperatures should drop by 5° on Wednesday and remain cooler throughout the rest of the week.

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

Weathermelon