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.

GET READY FOR CHERRY PRICES TO SKYROCKET

Two major storms and colder temperatures are lining up to hit San Joaquin Valley growing regions that have the possibility to take out the cherry crop and cause serious damage to the stonefruit crop.

Starting Wednesday night into Thursday, a storm is anticipated to hit all growing regions up and down the SJ Valley dropping between .5” to 1” of rain over the two-day period. There is a second storm scheduled to hit this Sunday with up to 1” of rain and a third storm potentially for next Tuesday, May 21. Along with the rain will come cooler temperatures starting Wednesday with highs only in the low 70°s (with some isolated 60°s) and minimums in the low 50°s for the next 10 days. Although this weather is not unprecedented for this time of year, it is extremely unusual.

Tony Taviano from B&B Imports in Fresno said these storms have the potential to wipe out a large part of the Bing cherry crop and might cause shippers to call for an “act of god” on contracts. Furthermore, Tony said this weather may sow the seeds for a challenging summer marketing season of stonefruit and potential ramifications that extend into the fall for table grapes.

Stonefruit, as we mentioned last week, can experience issues with staining from rain and possible hail damage.

We wish only the best for the growers who have their crops in peril and their investments on the line, but we need to make everyone aware of the possibilities.

WET VEG AND STRAWBERRIES ALSO TO BE AFFECTED

The same storms hitting the SJ Valley will also hit the coastal California growing regions of Salinas, Santa Maria, and Oxnard causing definite harvest issues. As of right now, Salinas is expected to receive approximately 1” this Wednesday and Thursday. The second storm on Saturday and Sunday may bring up to .5” and next Tuesday has the potential of .25” of rain. There, rains could affect the harvest of strawberry crops and lettuces.

DESERT REGIONS WILL NOT SEE ANY RAIN

Desert regions are not expected to see any rain from these storms, but they will experience cooler temperatures with maximum temperatures in the 80°s and minimum temperatures in the low 60°s over the next 10 days.

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

Weathermelon