Weekly weather update for professional turf managers from Frank Rossi:
Temp & GDD
Our fifth straight week of above normal temperatures this summer. Cooler along the coast 1-2 above and as much as 6 above to the west, especially west of I-81. Measurable heat stress continued with little relief in the evening hours. Soil temp pushing back into the 80’s well up the CT River Valley and pockets of Western NY. Far northern soils remain in the 60’s and mid to upper 70’s in
between.
Moisture
Overall another dry week for most with a few pockets of 1-2” dumps. The Ithaca area and parts of Western MA in particular rec’d 2 ”+. Unfortunately the drought map continues to expand and a growing area is approaching less than 50% of normal precip. since June. ET was about 1” for the week with high humidity holding more water in the system.
Forecast
Following a hot and steamy weekend (most humid air of the summer) wide rainfall is expected. Above normal temps to subside mid-week with some upper 60F nights to the north! Some showers are expected and warm conditions remain for much of the region in the 8-14d outlook.
For more turf-related weather info and decision-making tools, visit the ForeCast website.
