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.

RECORD BREAKING HEAT IN THE SOUTHEAST

The last several weeks have seen excessive heat and a lack of rain in the southeast region of the country. Temperatures throughout the region have been well above normal with highs in the upper 90°s and many locations above 100°. Many high temperature records have been broken in cities from Florida to Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee over the past two weeks.

To make matters worse, the region has also seen well below normal amounts of rain for the month of September. Regions of Tennessee only saw 3” of rain for the month which is only half of normal amounts. The Quincy, FL, region received 4” of rain in September, which is also half of normal.

Temperatures will continue well above average in the upper 90°s through tomorrow. Sunday will finally begin to see a slight cooldown with maximum temperatures dropping into the mid 80°s in Florida, Georgia, and, Alabama, while states further North such as Tennessee and North Carolina will drop into the 70°s.

Tomatoes are still coming out of Eastern Tennessee while the Southern Georgia region is kicking off their
fall season of veg such as bell peppers, squash, and beans.

HEAT RETURNING TO CALIFORNIA THIS WEEKEND

California, which has seen below average temps the last few days, will warm up again this weekend. The heat will return tomorrow and last though Monday. Sunday will be the hottest day of the warm up. The berry and wet veg region of Salinas will reach 85° on Saturday while the grape growing region of the San Joaquin Valley will warm up into the low 90°s this weekend.

The Coachella Valley—which is getting ready to kick off their Fall deals for peppers, beans, etc.—will see
temperatures rise to above 100° this weekend and last through late next week. These temperatures are about 10° above normal for October. Look for products to possibly come online earlier than normal out of this region.

Yuma, Arizona, will also warm up to around the 100° mark this weekend and into next week. Also about
10° above normal.

HEAT FINALY COMING TO ARGENTINAN BLUEBERRIES

The blueberry growing regions of Argentina have seen a cool spring and late start to their berry season.

The past few days, temperatures have been below average with highs in the mid 60°s and low 70°s with chances of rain. Starting Monday, temperatures will begin to warm with maximum temperatures reaching into the 80°s. Things will get real interesting next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday as the highs will move into the 90°s and will reach a maximum of 100° by Saturday the 12th in Corrientes. Look for volumes to finally start to kick in late next week.

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

Weathermelon