Weekly weather update for professional turf managers from Frank Rossi:
Temp & GDD
Another normal week for the region with the western half 2-4 F above normal and the east and south along the coast 2-4 F below normal. Heat stress continues to be widespread. The region as a whole is within a few days of last year’s GDD accumulation and about 7 days +/- compared to average. Soils continue to warm at the 2” depth into the upper 70’s F to the far south, Mid-70’s F NYC and low 70’s F to the north.
Moisture
Dry conditions continue to expand for many. WNY, East MA, RI, East CT all very dry. A swath of 1-2” passed through NYC and east on LI, NJ and West CT, some even getting 2”+. Low topsoil moisture and drought monitor areas have expanded for severe drought conditions in Central and West NY and Central MA to NH. ET remained high at 1.25”.
Forecast
Following another weekend of slight cooling and moisture moving into the region, expect the week be warm and dry again. Temps expected to be warmest to the west as the ridge of heat from the Midwest moves in. Cooler along coast. Spotty rainfall expected mid week and long term models calling for increase in rainfall.
For more turf-related weather info and decision-making tools, visit the ForeCast website.
