Weekly Weather Report
For Farmers and Others
Week of February 2, 2015
From Friendship Farms & Fare
A Community Service To the Local Farming Community
51 degrees at 4:00 AM, February 1, 2015
Historic Average (for 1/31): 71 HIGH, 53 LOW–Weather Underground: http://www.wunderground.com/
Historically, the average high temperature is now 71 degrees (one degree high higher than the lowest average low [70] of the year), and nineteen degrees lower than the highest average high [90]). Our average low is now 53 degrees, which is two degrees higher than lowest average low [51], and twenty-three degrees lower than the highest average low [76]). The average low and high have begun their gradual assent.
Note: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that 2014 was the hottest year on record (since records have been kept, 1880). Ocean and land temperatures were at their all time highs.
This is no great surprise to us. 2014 seemed hotter than usual to us, and the past few years, our highs and lows have typically run a bit higher than historic averages. Last year the trend continued, and so far this year, it is still continuing. Although humans may enjoy unseasonably warm weather, above normal temperatures stress the winter crops, which flourish in cool to cold temperatures.
Weekly Weather Report
Moderating Temperatures
But Still Cool
Last Week (1/24-1/30): Temperatures were below normal nearly all of last week, with a little rain on Monday, but otherwise very dry. Highs were generally in the 60s and lows often in the 40s. As forecast last week, this was the longest cold spell of the season. The highest high for last week was 72 (1/30) and the lowest high was 63 (1/25 and 28). The highest low was 56 (1/26) and lowest low was 45 (1/29). Five of seven days were below normal for highs and six were below normal for lows. Our average high for this time of the year is 71 and our average low is 52.
This Week (1/31-2/6): The coming week should see temperatures moderate and run closer to normal. Forecast is for near normal highs and how, with a possible front toward the end of the week. The lowest temperatures will be in the 40s, with highs in the 60s and 70s. A freeze is unlikely.
Looking Ahead: We are still in the driest and coldest time of the year, although average rainfall is creeping upward (like the temperatures). Historic norms indicate cool and dry conditions through February. Dry conditions will require more frequent irrigation. The rainy season is still months away.
Average temperatures are gradually rising. By the end of February averages will be in the mid-70s for highs and mid-50s for lows. We are still in 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. We reached or exceeded 80 degrees four times in January. Readers will notice spring flowers appearing, well ahead of schedule. This means the winter vegetables may also flower early and bolt – if the warm weather continues. Our broccoli has been harvested earlier than we would have liked because of the flowering.
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.
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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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