Weekly weather update for professional turf managers from Frank Rossi:
Temp & GDD
A very warm week with some areas 10F to 12F above normal, NYC and south 6F to 8F above normal. Widespread heat stress indicated on the ForeCast models for most along the I-95 corridor. Base 50 GDD doubled in a week with most in excess of 100 for the week, behind last year and ‘spot on’ 15-year average. Soils warming nicely into low 70s on Long Island, upper 60s in Massachusetts, mid 60s in western New York, and the rest low 60s.
Moisture
Many areas recorded <.25″ for the week, but a few areas of intense rain in CNJ/NYC, Boston and Rochester. All recorded 1″ to 2″. ET is beginning to be maximm for the season with sun reaching peak in two weeks. Some areas still very dry at the surface, but overall moisture maps indicate adequate levels.
Forecast
Following the intense heat and some heavy rainfall across the region over the weekend, a cool and wet pattern begins and expected to continue for two weeks. Expect temps below normal by midweek with normal rainfall patterns. Expect foliar diseases to be at higher risk as drying conditions will not be consistent at least for next 10 days.
For more turf-related weather info and decision-making tools, visit the ForeCast website.
