Rain reported in parts of West Texas

Scattered storms moved through West Texas yesterday, and locally heavy rain, gusting winds to as many as 50 mph and small hail were reported in isolated areas. Generally, light to moderate precipitation was recorded, mainly in northern parts of the High and Rolling Plains. Spotty showers were reported on the Southern Plains, but most non-irrigated fields remain dry. Many stands throughout West Texas are at peak bloom, and water demands are high. Although the recent, timely rains will help enhance fruit development, growers are concerned that new vegetative growth may occur. Hence, warmer, sunny weather would be welcome to allow plant growth regulators to be applied. In areas where little to no precipitation has been received, farmers continue to apply irrigation water, where possible. Producers are monitoring fields for rising insect infestations and treating as necessary.

Partly sunny skies and rising humidity levels are forecast for the Memphis Territory today, and a stray thunderstorm could develop as afternoon heating occurs. Locally, heavy downpours were reported in many locales yesterday, with accumulations ranging from 0.75’’ to 1.50’’.  A 40 to 80 percent chance of thunderstorms is expected tomorrow, and light to moderate precipitation is possible.

Stormy weather also developed in parts of the Southeast yesterday, with heaviest amounts recorded in central parts of the region. Mostly sunny skies and warmer conditions are expected today, improving growing conditions. Chances of thunderstorms developing will increase over the next couple of days as moisture from the Gulf of Mexico moves inland. Rain accumulations, though, are expected to be light.

Meanwhile, open skies rule across the Far West. Daytime highs will only reach the low 90°s (F) in California’s San Joaquin Valley, but a warming trend is expected tomorrow, and more seasonable conditions will return. Picking is gaining momentum in southwestern Arizona under favorable conditions, and producers have been pleased with average yields of around 1,500 lbs/acre. Defoliants are being applied in central parts of the state, and farmers are preparing for the upcoming harvest.

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