NA: Heatwave, thunderstorms to affect grape, berry, cherry, tomato crops
A heatwave affecting southwest of the U.S. is set to last into the coming week, affecting various fruit growing regions, says weather forecasting company Weathermelon.
It forecasts that the San Joaquin Valley of California will experience above-average temperatures for four continuous days starting on Sunday.
High temperatures are predicted to be well above 100°F (37°C) up and down the valley. Bakersfield at the southern end of the area will see 106°F on Monday while Modesto at the northern end should expect a high of 105°F that day.
Meanwhile, the desert regions of California and Arizona will see maximum temperatures above 110°F from Sunday through Wednesday. Coachella will peak at 113°F on Wednesday, June 12.
Weathermelon notes that these temperatures should really bring the grape crop out of Coachella.
Salinas will also see above average temperatures during the same period, hitting a high of 87°F (30°C) on Sunday. From there, it should cool off a few degrees on Monday and Tuesday.
This weather should help production on all items from these regions, says the company.
Northwest cherry regions to see cold temps followed by heatwave
Cold temperatures will continue through tomorrow in the growing regions of Oregon, Washington, Idaho and British Columbia, Canada, says Weathermelon.
Maximum temperatures are currently in the 50°s and 60°s (10°C to 15°C) with nightly lows in the low to mid 40°s throughout the region.
However, the rain that was anticipated for Oregon and British Colombia, Canada, has been significantly downgraded over the last 48 hours. There is still a chance of a light shower but nothing like what weather forecasting companies previously predicted.
Starting on Tuesday, June 11, these regions in the northwest will experience their own heat wave. During that time, maximum daily temperatures will reach the mid to upper 90°s depending on location.
This heat will last at least through Saturday of next week and have a positive effect on berry and cherry production.
Daily thunderstorms continue in the southeast
All southern states will see daily showers up to .75” (1.9 cm) per day from today through next Tuesday or Wednesday.
Furthermore, Weathermelon reports that there will be heavy rain and possible flash floods anticipated for Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama.
These weather conditions could affect tomato crops in those areas.