Weekly weather update for professional turf managers from Frank Rossi:
Temp & GDD
Six straight weeks of above normal temps. Most were 8-10 F above normal with persistent heat stress with little relief in the evening hours. The start and stop and start of the growing season is warmer than last year and normal by a week. Soil temperatures are well into the 80’s at 2” north into the Hudson Valley. Upper 70’s most everywhere else. These temps at 2” suggest even warmer temps are likely in the top 1” where many annual bluegrass roots are confined.
Moisture
Widespread 1-2 inch rainfall with some 2’+ Catskills, ADK, NE CT. Many areas in Western NY did NOT benefit from the rainfall. Drought conditions have worsened for many but recent rainfall suggests severity levels might be changing soon. ET remained high at 0.75 – 1.25” with the rainfall and steamy days.
Forecast
Following another warm weekend, a pattern shift is expected to bring widespread rain and cooler night temperatures. Normal highs 70-80 lows 50-60! High pressure coming through so expect some low humidity days in already dry areas. The 8-14d suggests back to dry period with normal temps.
For more turf-related weather info and decision-making tools, visit the ForeCast website.
