Sacramento, Calif., (April 6, 2018) – High pressure developed during the week leading to dry weather and above normal temperatures across California. As the high pressure slowly dissipated, mild conditions returned over the state.
Temperature highs for the week ranged in the 60s to 70s in the mountains, 80s in the valley, 60s to 80s along the coast, and 80s to 90s in the desert. Temperature lows for the week ranged from the 10s and 20s in the mountains, in the 30s to 40s in the valley, 30s to 50s along the coast, and 40s to 50s in the desert region.
Winter forage crops were maturing well. Some silage harvesting began. alfalfa swathing was reported in the San Joaquin Valley. Cotton field preparation was ongoing. Wheat development was benefiting from the precipitation in March.
Irrigation continued in vineyards and stone fruit orchards. Cherries were in full bloom. Peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots and prunes were leafing out. Fruit was forming on most stone fruit trees. Grapes were leafing out. Apples and pears were leafing out and beginning to bloom. Olives continued to be pruned. Blooms continued to emerge on citrus trees. Navel oranges and lemons continued to be harvested. Valencia orange harvest progressed.
The almond bloom was complete and trees were leafing out and nutlets were forming. Walnuts were pushing catkins and were treated for blight. The pistachio bloom was increasing.
Fields were being prepared and planted but activities have been slow due to wet soils. Winter vegetables were getting ready for harvest. Harvest of broccoli, cauliflower, and some lettuces began in Salinas. Strawberry harvest had begun in Monterey.
Rangeland and non-irrigated pasture quality continued to improve with the recent precipitation and warming temperatures. Sheep grazed on idle crop land, stubble fields, and dormant alfalfa fields. Beehives continued to be moved from almond to stone fruit orchards. Bee activity picked up with the favorable weather.
