Climate change is a key reason that citrus production has progressed in South Georgia, North Florida and South Alabama, the area known as the cold-hardy citrus region. As more varieties, other than satsuma mandarins, continue to be planted in the area, warmer temperatures are needed for trees to flourish. Arnold Schumann, professor of soil fertility and water quality at the …
Second Warmest October on Record
By Clint Thompson As if most did not already realize, October was really warm across the Southeast. In fact, it was toasty across the entire U.S. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, noted in her UGA Extension Climate Blog, that October 2024 was the second warmest October on record since 1895. Adding to the unexpected heat wave, …
Looming La Niña’s Impact in Southeast
By Clint Thompson The Southeast has yet to enter an official La Niña weather pattern. But it’s inevitable. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension agricultural climatologist, said the current temperature threshold has prevented weather experts from declaring an official La Niña. But it’s inevitable. It’s just a matter of how long it takes and its impact on the Southeast. “They …
Latest Gulf Storm Not Out of Ordinary for This Time of Year
By Clint Thompson The latest tropical system destined for the Gulf of Mexico is a sign that the storm season is not over and not scheduled to be for another month. Tropical Depression 18 developed in the Caribbean, will soon strengthen into Hurricane Rafael and is expected to make landfall somewhere along the Gulf. It’s normal for a hurricane this …
Drought Monitor: Dry Conditions Expanding Across Southeast Region
The most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows dry conditions covering all of Alabama and Georgia and the Florida Panhandle. Florida’s abnormally dry conditions start in Escambia County and stretches as far east as Taylor and Madison counties. Abnormally dry conditions cover the majority of Georgia, except for a small area in the southeastern part of the state. …
Dry Forecast: Zero Chance of Rain Over Next Week
By Clint Thompson The lingering dry weather following Hurricane Helene has left drought-like conditions expanding and worsening across certain areas in the Southeast. Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist, said the chance of rain in the forecast in grim for the immediate future. “I looked at the seven-day outlook and there’s no rain in most of Georgia …
Flooding Concerns for North Carolina Agriculture
Hurricane Helene has altered life in North Carolina with its massive flooding. Lives have been lost. Homes have been washed away. Agriculture has been forever changed. Catastrophic rainfall amounts have led to widespread flooding in the western part of the state. Elena Rogers, N.C. State Extension Area Specialized Agent in food safety for fresh produce, discussed the damage that the …
More to Come? Tropic Season Still a Concern Following Hurricane Helene
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Helene’s trek through the Southeast last week serves as a reminder to specialty crop producers that the tropics remain very active. It is expected to stay that way for at least another month or so, says Pam Knox, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension agricultural climatologist. “It’s a sign that the tropical season is not over. We …
On Alert: Potential Storm a Threat to Southeast
By Clint Thompson Southeast specialty crop producers are eyeing a potential storm nearing the Gulf of Mexico that could impact the Southeast later this week. The potential development of the storm, named Helene, along with its current path means Florida, Georgia and Alabama are all in its crosshairs. “The whole state of Georgia right now is in the cone. It …
La Niña’s Winter’s Impact on Southeast
By Clint Thompson A La Niña winter is expected to bring warm and dry conditions to the Southeast. It would have major ramifications for fruit producers, especially peach growers, who require chilling hours to produce a viable crop the following year. It would also affect farmers who must manage whitefly populations, as cold and wet conditions will help control the …