Weekly Weather Report

For Farmers and Others

Week of February 17, 2015

From Friendship Farms & Fare

A Community Service To the Local Farming Community

64 degrees at 5:00 AM, February 17, 2015

Historic Average (for 2/16): 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 annual 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

Last Week (2/7-2/13): As expected and reported, temperatures were a bit below normal last week, and lower toward the end of the week. Also as forecast, we had rain on Monday (2/9) ahead of a weak front – 1.15 inches. We have had an unusually wet winter so far, and a very wet February.

Our January rainfall was 2.95 inches, compared with an average of 2.6 (using records for St. Petersburg). February rainfall, so far, is 3.825. The average for February is 2.7 inches. So, already for this winter we’ve already received 6.77 inches, compared with the historical average for the first two months of winter 5.3.   Remember, this is the Florida dry season.

The highest high for last week at WU was 73 (2/8). The lowest high was 59 (2/13 ). The highest low was 57 (2/9) and lowest low was 39 (2/13). Four of seven days were at or below normal for highs and three were below normal for lows.   Our average high for this time of the year is 72 and our average low is 54.

This Week (2/14-2/20): The coming week should see temperatures a bit below normal, with warmer days on Monday and Tuesday (2/15-16). Watch for rain on Tuesday ahead of a front. Temperatures will range from low 70s to mid-50s for highs and mid-50s to low 40s for lows – with a forecast low of 39 for Thursday night. Freeze is unlikely, although some sources are suggesting a possibility on Thursday night.

Looking Ahead: We are still in the (supposedly) driest and coldest time of the year. Rainfall averages are 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. February has been cooler. 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.

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