February 19, 2024 Bloom Update ๐ธ
Welcome to the first, Bountiful Bloom Update for the 2024 growing season. We'll be sending these weekly on Mondays during bloom. And in case you missed the Bountiful Bloom live for 2024 announcement you can learn about our What, Why, and How of Bountiful Bloom.
Let's dive in!
๐ธ Bloom Update
January 29 - February 19, 2024
This year Bountiful Bloom received its first observation on January 29, 2024 in the South Region, followed by the Central and North a few days later. In comparison 2023's first bloom observations was February 1, 2023 in the Central followed by the South and North.
Consistent daily observations of bloom have come from the Central portion of the state followed by the South, then the North. You can see this below for the 2024 Almond Bloom showing the progression of bloom stages reported by day๐.
Bloom submissions received thus far show the South leading in bloom progression stages, with some early reports of petal fall, trailing behind in second place are the North and Central regions with reports of early bloom and full bloom dominating most submissions.
๐ฃ If you're in the South or North regions, we'd love your support with bloom observations to increase coverage in these areas.
๐ก๏ธ๐ง๏ธ Weather
A look at current temperature and precipitation trends
๐ก๏ธ Temperature
Temperature averages this year across the state have been up over last year, especially as bloom has progressed in the last 5 days. Below ๐ you'll see Temperatures for 2/1-2/18 for 2024 compared to 2023 for California.
To view Temperature for a specific County go to Agriculture: Weather in the Bountiful platform.
๐ง๏ธ Precipitation
Precipitation has been exceptionally heavy this year when compared to last year during February 1-18, 2024 is up +659% when compared to 2023. The dryest periods in 2024 have been February 8th to February 13th. Below ๐ you'll see Precipitation for 2/1-2/18 for 2024 compared to 2023 for California.
To view Precipitation for a specific County go to Agriculture: Weather in the Bountiful platform.
๐ Bee Flight & โ๏ธ Chill Portions
The result of weather on bee flight hours and chill portions
๐ Bee Flight Hours
Bee Flight hours continue to trend above last year. Due to the slower development of bloom stages this year, we're breaking down bee flight hours for you by week. In the table below ๐ you'll see current Bee Flight Hours by week and Total Bee Flight Hours to Date for 2024 vs 2023.
Bee Flight Hours update directly in Bountiful Bloom, to see them submit an observation.
โ๏ธ Chill Portions
Chill Portions are up over last year. This is due to lower minimum temperatures seen in 2024. Bountiful begins calculating chill as of September 1 of the previous year. Below ๐ you'll see the cumulative Chill Portions for 2024 vs 2023.
Chill Portions update directly in Bountiful Bloom, to see them submit an observation.
This Week's Featured Bloom Shot
Taken February 19, 2024 in Merced County.
๐ธ Share photos of Bloom
Share your almond bloom photos with Bountiful by emailing megan@bountiful.ag or texting (805) 704-7157 to be featured in Bountiful's bloom update
Your feedback makes Bountiful Bloom better, please let me know what you think of Bountiful Bloom!
Thank you for helping share and submit observations to Bountiful Bloom. We literally couldn't do this without you ๐.
Wishing you a Bountiful Bloom!