Weekly weather update for professional turf managers from Frank Rossi:
Temp & GDD
Ten straight weeks of above normal temperatures, this week 6-8 above normal region wide. High heat stress and warm evening temps have really been keeping the stress on. Cool nights are more common further north that provide some relief. GDD continue to accumulate at record rates pushing us 2-3 weeks ahead of normal. Soils have cooled some into the low to mid 70’s but still very warm for this time of year.
The persistent warm weather certainly fuels the discussion regarding climate change effects on professional turfgrass and landscape management. We are on pace to end the season 300 plus GDD above normal, that amounts to additional 2-3 weeks of growing season.
Moisture
Another mostly dry week across the region wont most areas recording <0.25”. ET is still 0.75-1”. The lone winner for the week was extreme Western NY, Syracuse and Mohawk Valley with 1-2” plus in some areas. Drought conditions continue to expand in area affected and severity.
Forecast
Expect more warm weather with averages to be 9o above normal for the week. Upper 70’s to upper 80’s for highs lows 50-60 when normals are 60’s and 40’s. Some passing rainfall over the weekend leads us into a another mostly dry week. Topsoil moisture levels will continue to decline and low disease risk.
For more turf-related weather info and decision-making tools, visit the ForeCast website.
