Weekly weather update for professional turf managers from Frank Rossi:
Temp & GDD
The seventh straight week of above normal temps was not as severe as previous weeks coming in at 2 degrees F above normal. Heat stress was confined to the I-95 corridor and the Buffalo/Rochester areas. Soils have cooled slightly into the mid-low 70’s at 2” inch depth and likely much warmer where most of the plant roots are these days.
Moisture
Another week of widespread rainfall brought 1-2” to most areas with Central NY a big winner. Many other areas were <0.5” NJ, Hudson Valley and West NY, and <0.25” in eastern MA. ET 0.75-1”, somewhat slowed by high humidity. Last 14d have brought above normal precip. at 130-200% of normal for some areas Upstate NY. However 60 to 90 day deficits persisting.
Forecast
Expect a dry-warm (not hot) week about 6-8 degrees F above normal. A big cool down early in the week, especially night-time lows, will also bring lower humidity and more drying conditions. Rainfall likely to be very spotty with a more reliable front moving through by the end of the week. Long term starting to look at Tropical Storm activity and rainfall that could arrive.
For more turf-related weather info and decision-making tools, visit the ForeCast website.
