Abc30.com learned from California Citrus Mutual however, that some growers were forced to turn on their wind machines early in the morning, to prevent what's called ice mark. Citrus Mutual expects warmer weather to return in time for Christmas.
In other parts of Central Valley, cold temperatures also failed to materialize as forecast. Growers report that overnight lows stayed well within the “sweet spot” for the area’s citrus crop. The warmer temperatures are attributed to decent cloud cover, particularly in the Foothill areas, a consistent breeze, and generally moist conditions.
The Central Valley orange crop is approximately 25% harvested to-date and the mandarin crop is at 30% harvested. With 70-75% of the crop remaining on the tree, growers will continue to keep a close eye on weather conditions until at least the end of January. Historically, the area’s most severe freezes have occurred the week of Christmas. One exception in the recent past was the 2007 freeze which hit in late January.
