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Weather continues to dominate conversations surrounding almond bloom. Rain and wind advisories are in effect for most growing regions in the central valley courtesy of the National Weather Service. There are also reports of snow in orchards, which seem like isolated events however, you can see orchards covered in snow here and here.
The sea of white that flanks the I-5 and Hwy 99 this time of year is always a good indicator that early and full bloom are approaching full effect.
Almond bloom development is continuing to progress in orchard pink bud and early bloom last week, moved into early bloom and full bloom this week for major varieties.
We are about 9 days behind last year on the almond bloom development stage and at this time we anticipate continued low morning temperatures to extend bloom.
Over the next coming weeks staying on top of temperature, rain, and wind will all be critical, you can do that through Bountiful Weather.
And as we continue to track weather over the next weeks, a reminder for you from David Doll on the freezing temperatures which cause risk on almond bloom development.
Low temperatures continue to impact bee flight hours, as the difference over last year grows. If you missed this week's weekly almond market update have a read, Weather impacts during bloom and how do bee flight hours and yield relate?
2023 cumulative bee flight hours are 45-78 hours less this year when compared to 2022 bee flight hours, and cumulative chill portions for 2023 continue to be up over 2022, by 10-14 chill portions, a slight change over the last week.
You can stay on top of changing bee flight hours and chill at BountifulAlmonds.com and while you're there submit a bloom observation.If you catch yourself in the orchard or driving by please stop to snap a photo and share your bloom pics with me. You'll be featured in an email update.
Thank you for helping share and submit observations to Bountiful Bloom. We literally couldn't do this without you 💜.
Wishing you a Bountiful Bloom!
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