WEATHER UPDATE
Very cold morning temperatures continue out west this week in front of an approaching low-pressure system over the weekend. Temperatures in the low 20s to low 30s are forecast across the region with hard freeze conditions expected in the coldest inland valleys and the Southwestern Desert growing regions. Lettuce ice will limit harvesting hours in these regions as fields must warm up before harvests can begin. The approaching low-pressure system will put an end to the freezing temperatures by Sunday into early next week. Near seasonal temperatures are on tap across Central Mexico this week with morning frost a concern across Northern Mexico especially in the inland valleys. A weak frontal system approaches Florida Friday into Saturday with light rain mainly in the northern part of the state. Another system looks to roll in around the middle of next week.
FREIGHT UPDATE
California and Yuma trucks remain tighter than normal due to the lack of trucks running during the holidays. Look for things to be back to normal the week of January 6th. Washington apple, Idaho potato, and onion trucks remain extremely tight and will stay that way until after the first of the year as well. The national average on diesel dropped this week and is at 3.048 per gallon. An increase of just .075 from this time last year. California prices remained steady and are now at 3.813 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady and is currently at 46.51 per barrel
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Apples : Overall supplies are fairly consistent with a few varieties becoming limited.
Berries (Raspberries): Adverse weather may affect future crop yields
Berries (Strawberries): Freezing temperatures in California will affect yields
Grapes (Green): Supplies are limited as domestic is finishing up and import fruit is slow to arrive.
Potatoes: Markets are slightly higher on larger sizes this week.
TEMPERATURES AND TRANSITIONS
Grapes (Red): Import fruit is slowly improving. We expect more arrivals of Peruvian and Chilean grapes by next week.
