A severe heatwave is predicted to hit the Central Valley this weekend, bringing extreme temperatures and a rapid swing in temperature of 20-30 degrees, depending on your location. There is also a drastic ET change, the average ET was 1.85 last week and this week it has increased to 2.45.
Forecast Provided by the Weather Channel
This sudden temperature shift can cause significant stress to your trees. While most stress is largely unavoidable as the trees acclimate to the heatwave some of the stress can be mitigated, we recommend exercising extra vigilance and taking necessary precautions to ensure the well-being of your valuable orchards and crops.
Here are a few recommendations we would like to share to help you navigate this challenging weather:
Increase Vigilance: It is crucial to closely monitor the condition of your trees throughout this weekend, regularly assessing their health. Check in on different plots to identify your hotspots and understand their different responses to stress.
Adequate Irrigation: Proper irrigation is key during a heatwave. It is important to irrigate ahead of time to prepare the blocks with adequate soil moisture. Be sure to also irrigate on the hottest days, keeping water on the trees during the worst of the heat will help combat the increased transpiration caused by high temperatures. Continue to check your Soil Moisture Probe Sensors to avoid wasting water with over-irrigation. Adjust your irrigation schedule as needed.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to your CSM if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to provide guidance and assistance during this critical period.