WEATHER UPDATE
The intense heat wave out west peaks midweek and slowly weakens into the weekend as increased monsoonal moisture moves in. However, temperatures will remain above average. The high will then stagnate over the area and strengthen early next week. Coastal regions get some relief with the marine layer influence in the mornings. This pattern looks to remain in place into early August. Seasonably warm and humid conditions will produce scattered showers across Central Mexico into early August. Hot temperatures with showers and thunderstorms continue to the north under increased humidity. Florida will see isolated, scattered showers and thunderstorms into the weekend. A stronger system moves in early next week with widespread showers and thunderstorms.
FREIGHT UPDATE
California trucks are adequate, but rates remain steady. Look for capacity to remain steady thru out the balance of the summer months. Washington apple truck supply is steady. Idaho potato trucks remain steady as well. The national average on diesel remained steady this week and is currently at 3.220 per gallon. An increase of .713 from this time last year. California prices remained steady as well and are now at 3.943 per gallon. Crude oil went up slightly this week and is currently at 69.46 per barrel.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Citrus (Lemons): Demand greatly exceeds supplies.
Onions: Temperatures in all the growing areas have been in the low to mid 100’s. New Mexico and Washington will cool into the mid 90’s by the weekend with California staying in the 100’s into late next week. Transportation is limited
TEMPERATURES AND TRANSITIONS
Potatoes: All areas will be transitioning to new crop in the next couple of weeks.
Potatoes (colored): Big Lake, Minnesota to start in a light way on Reds next week. Tri City Washington area has started with reds and golds.
Berries (Blackberries): Central California, Georgia and North Carolina are all coming to the end of their season this week. Oregon has consistent harvest. Salinas and Watsonville expected to improve over the next 2 weeks.
