Weekly Weather Report
For Farmers and Others
Week of January 5, 2015
From Friendship Farms & Fare
A Community Service To the Local Farming Community
68 degrees at 4:00 AM, January 4, 2015
Historic Average (for 1/2): 70 HIGH, 52 LOW–Weather Underground: http://www.wunderground.com/
Historically, the average high temperature is now 70 degrees (the lowest average high [70] of the year, which is twenty degrees lower than the highest average high [90]). Our average low is now 52 degrees, which is one degree higher than the lowest average low [51], and twenty-four degrees lower than the highest average low [76]). The average high is now the lowest it will be for the year (70 degrees), and it will remain here until the end of January, when it will begin its annual assent. The average low is just about at its lowest for year (51), which it will reach next week. Both the average daily highs and the lows begin their assent in early winter, later this month, with average low beginning a bit earlier than the high.
Note: For the past few years, our highs and lows have typically run a bit higher than historic averages. Thus far this year, the trend has continued, and our fall and winter temperatures are maintaining the trend. Although humans may enjoy unseasonably warm weather, above normal temperatures stress the winter crops, which flourish in cool to cold temperatures.
Weekly Weather Report
Milder Weather Continues with Weak Front and Rain early in the Week
Last Week (12/27-1/2/15): Once again, last week’s forecast was just about on the mark. Temperatures were above normal for the most of the week, and humidity was well above normal.
The highest high for last week was 79 (1/2) and the lowest high was 65 (12/31). The highest low was 64 (12/28-30) and lowest low was 59 (12/31). Six of seven days were above normal for highs, and every day was above normal for the lows, with the lows being well above normal. Remember, our average high is around 70 and our average low is little above 50.
This Week (1/3-1/9): Temperatures will remain warm and above normal until midweek, when a cold front arrives. We can expect record-breaking highs on the 3rd and 4th. The front will bring temperature down to a bit below normal for a couple of days (Wednesday and Thursday). The front’s approach will increase the possibility of rain early in the week.
Looking Ahead: We are in the driest part of the year. Historic norms indicate cool and dry conditions. The unseasonal (and record-breaking) heat may adversely impact winter crops. Our winter greens wilt when the temperature reaches 80 degrees. Once or twice this has little adverse effect, but if the wilting becomes routine challenges may result.
We are entering the coldest time of the year. Average temperatures will level off, and remain at their annual lows through most of January. We are now well into freeze season, and freezes are possible any week – usually with plenty of advance notice. Averages are not good guides, and we are currently running above historical averages, but with rather dramatic fluctuations. Readers will notice that spring flowers are appearing, well ahead of schedule. This means the winter vegetables may also flower early and bolt – if the warm weather continues. See notes on broccoli later in the report.
What Winter Means: Winter began on Sunday, December 21st. This is the Winter Solstice for the Northern Hemisphere, where our farm is located and where our shareholders live. Days have been getting shorter and nights longer since the Summer Solstice. At the Autumnal Equinox (in September) days and nights were of equal duration – and the days kept getting longer. Beginning on Monday (12/22), each day will be longer (have more sunlight) than the previous day, until the Summer Solstice (June 21), which is the longest day of the year. In late March, the Vernal (or Spring) Equinox occurs, and day and night will again be of equal length. Solstices are those comic moments when the sun is the greatest distance from the equator; equinoxes are those cosmic moments when the sun is directly above the equator.
——————————————————————————————————————–
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
Visit the Friendship Farms & Fare website for the Weekly Farm Report:
http://www.fffsite.org/#!report/c1tuh
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/
If you would like to support our mission and individual projects, you may share donations through our website (above) or at our mailing address:
Ecology Florida
PO Box 596
New Port Richey, FL 34656-0596
