WEATHER UPDATE
We are experiencing our typical fall weather for the rest of the week highs in the 80’s to mid 70’s and lows in the mid 40’s in the Salinas Valley. This is the same outlook for the Oxnard / Southern California region although they will see winds in the 10 to 30 mph level. The temperature in the Coachella and Yuma AZ will be in the low 80’s to low 90’s. In the Baja Peninsula, we will see dry weather over the next five days with gradually warming temps into the weekend. Wind gusts near or less than 20 mph in NW Baja and 20 to 25 mph in BC Sur thru Sun. High temps in NW Baja and El Vizcaino should warm from the mid-upper 70s thru Thu into the mid-70s to mid-80s for Fri thru Sun. In the Sinaloa Mexico region, we will see a sprinkle or two, but dry weather is likely across the forecast area through Saturday.
By Sunday a few isolated showers are possible near Culiacán. In the Florida growing regions, temperatures should warm slightly as the ridge asserts more control over the region. Higher temperatures in the mid-80s to low 90s through Thursday and low-upper 90s for Friday–Sunday.
Only very isolated showers Wed mostly south of Lake Okeechobee. A relatively weak frontal system will move southward through Florida between Thursday and Friday morning, likely modestly increasing the chance for rain. The best chance for rain will be north of Tampa Bay but is not expected to be significant. A second front will move through the state Saturday and Sunday, but by the time the front reaches the state, it will lack any significant moisture. Max temperatures will be in the low to mid 90’s Wednesday night, cooling to the low 80’s / low 90’s Thursday–Friday night. After the second front moves thru the state, max temperatures cool to the mid 70’s – upper 80’s by Sunday night. Winds in the Northeast are expected up to 15 mph Wednesday–Friday evening.
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 steady this week and is currently at 3.394 per gallon. An increase of .607 from this time last year. California prices are steady as well and are now at 4.109 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady this week and is currently at 70.02 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 (Blackberries): Mexico is slowly ramping up with better numbers expected later this month.
Squash (Eastern): Squash is starting to transition to central Florida.
Berries (Strawberries): Salinas / Watsonville will last another 3-4 weeks. Mexico will ramp up by the end of the month.
Cucumbers (Eastern): Cucumber supplies will start to transition into Florida over the next 2 weeks.
Lettuce Iceberg: Huron will begin production this week. Yuma is expected the first to second week in Novembe
