Weekly Weather Report
For Farmers and Others
Week of October 13, 2014
From Friendship Farms & Fare
A Community Service To the Local Farming Community
Historical Average (for 10/10): 86 HIGH, 70 LOW–Weather Underground: http://www.wunderground.com/
The historical average high temperature is now 86 degrees (sixteen degrees higher than the lowest average high [70]). Our average low is now 70 degrees (nineteen degrees higher than the lowest average low [51]). The average high and average low are in their annual decline, which will continue through the fall, and then begin a gradual assent in the early winter (late January).
Note: For the past few years, our summer and fall highs and lows have typically run a bit higher than historic averages. Thus far this year, the trend has continued. The higher temperatures stress even hot-weather summer crops. Our development of seed stock from plants grown in these above normal temperatures may result in plants more tolerant of the increasingly harsh climate.
Weekly Weather Report
First Cool Front Passed Fast – High Temperatures Quickly Return
Last Week (10/4-10/10): The long awaited cool front arrived early in the week and passed very quickly. Extremely high temperatures and dry conditions dominated the latter part of week. Once again, our highest temperature was 90, which we reached twice, and our lowest high was 78 on the first day of the front. The coolest overnight temperature was 57.
We had one surprising deluge – ½ and inch in about 30 minutes on Wednesday (10/8). It appears New Port Richey was one of the few communities in the region to receive rain that day.
Despite our high rainfall these past three past week, 2014 will be a very dry year for the Springs Coast Watershed – at least the Friendship Farms & Fare locations. By the end of September, 2013 we had over 50 inches for the year. This year, our total rainfall was about 40 inches, and we reached 40 inches only because of a very wet September.
This Week (10/11-10/17): WU is forecasting our second cold front of the season this week, with an arrival of Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning. In advance of the front, as is typical, rain is expected as the cooler air behind the front encounters the warm moist air currently present. Prior to the arrival of the front, temperatures will remain well above normal, with 90s predicted for Saturday through Monday. The front will lower the highs to the low 80s, with lows in the mid 60s.
Notably, this “cold front” will bring temperatures close to there average for this time of the year.
Aside from the rain ahead of the front, the week should be very dry.
Gardeners and farmers in the area should plan to irrigate most days.
Looking Ahead: We are now definitely into the dry season, with average rainfall amounting to .06 of an inch per day. Most days will be dry, and humidity will be low.
Average temperatures will continue to drop. By the end of October, historical average highs will be 81 degrees and lows will be in the mid-60s. Averages are not good guides, but hopefully, we’ll see the end of the 90s very soon. The plants will appreciate the cooler temperatures even more than Floridians who have become accustomed the luxury of air-conditioning.
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Friendship Farms & Fare reaffirms, restores, and advances agrarian ideals to reestablish a sustainable culture
Ecology Florida advances the harmonious integration of healthy natural, cultural, and economic ecologies to regenerate a resilient world
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Friendship Farms & Fare is a branch of Ecology Florida, a not-for-profit corporation. Contributions to Friendship Farms & Fare and Ecology Florida are tax deductible. To learn more about Ecology Florida, please visit the website:
http://www.ecologyflorida.org/
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Ecology Florida
PO Box 596
New Port Richey, FL 34656-0596
