WEATHER UPDATE
An upper level trough will bring a slight cool down to the west coast this week with continued marine layer influence along the coast. A brief warm up over the weekend will be followed by a cut-off system early next week with a return of cooler temperatures and morning drizzle. Central Mexico will see isolated showers and thunderstorms and seasonal temperatures. Areas to the north are bracing for Hurricane Sergio expected to move into Central Baja as a tropical storm by early Friday moving into Central Sonora by the afternoon. Heavy rains 4-6 inches and strong winds will accompany the system as it moves inland. This system looks to pass to the south of the Yuma region with a chance of rain over the weekend. Of greatest concern is the powerful Hurricane Michael heading into the Panhandle of Florida currently. This system will bring very heavy rains and winds across northern Florida into Georgia and the Carolinas before moving up the eastern seaboard on Friday.
FREIGHT UPDATE
California trucks remain adequate, and rates remain steady. Look for capacity to remain steady thru out the Salinas season. Washington apple truck supply is adequate as well. Idaho potato and onion trucks have started to tighten up with rates increasing. The national average on diesel remained increased this week and is currently at 3.385 per gallon. An increase of .609 from this time last year. California prices are up as well and are now at 4.111 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady this week and is currently at 73.33 per barrel.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Berries (Blackberries): Supplies continue to be limited as we wait for Mexico to ramp up.
Berries (Blueberries): Supplies remain limited as we wait for the import fruit arrivals to improve.
Citrus (Oranges): The navel crop will be extremely limited the week of the 15th with supplies. Better supplies will start the week of October 22nd. The valencia crop is still extremely limited with elevated markets.
Cucumbers (Western): Rain in Sonora this week could affect production and/or quality for this commodity.
Melon (Watermelon): Rain in Sonora This week could affect production and or quality for this commodity.
Potatoes: Rain and cool weather interrupting harvest in Wisconsin. Cold weather to hit Idaho later this week.
Potatoes (colored): Cold and wet weather in the upper Midwest slowing harvest.
Squash (Western): Rain in Sonora this week could affect production and/or quality on this commodity.
Stone Fruit: Peaches and nectarines are finishing up quickly.
TEMPERATURES AND TRANSITIONS
Berries (Raspberries): Mexico just started this week and will slowly ramp up as we move forward. Domestic production will phase out as we approach November.
