AWIS Weather Forecast 3/25 – 3/30: Wind, Heat and a Chance for Frost
go.ncsu.edu/readext?784473
AWIS Weather Forecast 3/25 – 3/30: Wind, Heat, and a Chance for Frost
Weather Pattern Discussion
It is spring, so not unusual for current fast-moving weather patterns to occur over the next couple weeks. This means up/down temperatures, mostly Southwest gusty winds in the 20-30+ MPH ranges across Northern 1/2 Georgia and Carolinas by late today into Friday afternoon spreading into areas further North as well as strong low pressure at surface and aloft moves NE through TN/Ohio valley region. Most rain totals under 1 inch, with the heavier totals over the Mid Atlantic States.
Our main concern will be warm temperatures well into this weekend with temperatures as much as 10-20 degrees above normal, particularly the Mid-Atlantic area. This will speed bud and bloom development over the next few days.
Given fast West to East movement of disturbances, expect forecasts to get adjusted, particularly for time periods of several days into the future.
We recommend to secure your row-covers for the next days, and in some areas in North Carolina consider cooling measures to battle heat stress.
Heat Forecasts for the Region
While minimum temperatures are not of concern over the coming days (chances for frost), temperature will be well above normal for today until end the weekend (Figure 1). Early next week, there will be conditions in some areas North of the Carolinas that might call for frost protection (Figure 2). There might be a slight chance for heat stress in the Southeastern plains in North Carolina. Please read this article if you need more guidance.
Figure 1: AWIS MAXIMUM Temperatures Forecasts: for North Carolina 3/25-3-28. High Temperatures are especially reached on Friday (3/28/2021). While we think that most areas in North Carolina will be fine and that higher wind speeds may provide some release from heat stress, growers in the Southeastern Plains could consider to drip irrigate in the morning for a few hours to cool down the crop and reduce heat stress. Please read this article if you need more guidance.
Chance for Frost in Some Regions at the East Coast Early Next Week
It will cool down some on Monday. By then, blooms should be out and frost protection gear (row-covers and sprinkler systems) need to be in the field! We highly recommend to have an integrated approach using both, row covers and sprinklers.
Figure 2: AWIS Minimum Temperatures Forecasts for the region 3/29-3/30. Lower minimum temperatures in northern North Carolina and northern states might increase the risk of frost for nights from Sunday to Monday and Monday to Tuesday.
High Wind Speeds for the Coming Days: Secure Your Row Covers
High windspeeds with 20-30mph wind gusts are moving in later today and will stay in our region until Saturday. We recommend securing your row covers now!
Hourly Forecasts
North Carolina
South Carolina
Georgia
Virginia
Maryland
This post was created under the consultation of AWIS Weather Services and Dr. Barclay Poling.