Weekly Weather Report
For Farmers and Others
Week of April 20, 2015
From Friendship Farms & Fare
A Community Service To the Local Farming Community
Weekly Weather Report
Slight Cooling Possible This Week
Bringing Temperatures Close to Normal
Rain Likely Early in Week
74 degrees at 4:00 AM, April 19, 2015
Historic Average (for 4/20): 82 HIGH, 64 LOW–Weather Underground: http://www.wunderground.com/
Historically, the average high temperature has now reached 82 degrees (twelve degrees higher than the lowest average low [70] of the year), and eight degrees lower than the highest average high [90]). Our average low is now 64 degrees, which is thirteen degrees higher than lowest average low [51], and twelve degrees lower than the highest average low [76]).
The average low and high are increasing at about a degree a week. They will peak in early June for highs and late June for lows, and remain constant (at 90/76) until early September, when the annual decline begins. This means for three months the average high will be 90 degrees, and the average low will be 76. It will also be humid during those months.
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 has also been the warmest winter on record in the Arctic.
This is no great surprise to us. 2014 seemed hotter than usual here at the farms, 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 plants and animals.
According to NASA, 97% of climate scientists agree that global warming and resultant climate change is a reality and most likely due to human activity. http://climate.nasa.gov/scientific-consensus/.
Here is NOAA on the human causes of climate change and global warming. http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/pd/climate/factsheets/howhuman.pdf
Last Week (4/11 – 4/17): Once again, we had seven days of above normal heat – well above normal.
Last week we were well above normal for highs and lows every day, with lows being further above normal than highs. Normal high for last week is 81 and the normal low is 63. Last week, no high was below 83, and six days were 85 or higher. Several local sources reported temperatures in the 90s. The highest low was 74. Yesterday (4/18) we recorded 88 degrees in the north garden.
This Week (4/18 – 4/24) There might be a little relief this week. Forecast suggests a weak cool front may reach this far south. If so, we’ll have temperatures close to normal. There is also an increased chance for rain, with Monday and Wednesday having an 80% possibility of precipitation.
Looking Ahead: We are now in the midst of the dry season, and the above normal heat is really impacting our gardens. We should not expect much rain for at least another month. Average daily rainfall is creeping upward (like the temperatures). Historic norms indicate cool and dry conditions through April and into May, although we are not running true to form on this. Dry conditions will require more frequent irrigation. The rainy season is still about a month and a half away – mid-June.
Average temperatures are gradually rising. By the end of April averages will be in the mid-80s for highs and mid-60s for lows.
Averages are not good guides, and we are currently running above historical averages.
The first three months had above normal rainfall, but we’ve had no rain in April. There has been rain in the area, but very little near the coast.
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