Dormancy is coming to an end in the Santa Lucia Highlands, with soil and air temperatures signaling the transition toward early growth. The week saw a noticeable warm-up, with average highs jumping to 68.2°F and overnight lows up to 41.8°F. The weekly mean air temperature rose to 52.9°F, and soil temperature followed, averaging 54.2°F—well above the 50°F mark that is generally considered the threshold for bud activity in grapevines. As soils consistently reach this range, the first signs of bud swell can be expected in the coming weeks. No rainfall was recorded this week, bringing a quick halt to the wet spell earlier in February. Wind remained active, with daily peak speeds averaging 12.6 mph and a maximum gust of 16.7 mph. Evapotranspiration climbed to 0.78 inches, the highest of the dormant period so far, and soil temperatures continued their upward trend. With both soil and air temperatures now tracking above the typical budbreak threshold, growers will be monitoring for the first visible changes in the vines. Attention remains on soil moisture, which is beginning to recede again, and on frost risk as the season transitions. The Highlands are nearing the end of dormancy, and all signs point to an early start for the 2025 growing season if these conditions persist.

Dormancy remains in place throughout the Santa Lucia Highlands, but another important shift occurred this week. The region received 1.03 inches of rainfall—the highest single-week total so far this winter and a significant boost for soil moisture after a very dry start to the season. This sustained rainfall over two consecutive weeks is helping to close the early-season deficit, improving outlooks for the coming months. Temperatures eased downward, with daily highs averaging 59.0°F and lows at 38.2°F, leading to a mean temperature of 48.4°F. Soil temperature slipped to 50.5°F. Winds remained a factor, with average daily peak wind speed up slightly to 11.8 mph and the week’s highest gust reaching 13.7 mph on February 10 at 5 PM. Mean wind speed was 5.7 mph. Evapotranspiration (ETo) inched up to 0.50 inches, consistent with the ongoing windy pattern. In summary, this was the wettest week of the dormant season so far, bringing much-needed precipitation to the region and helping to recharge soil profiles. Temperatures and soil conditions remain typical for late dormancy, and wind continues to play a role in evaporation rates. Overall, rainfall has finally made meaningful progress toward closing the gap left by an unusually dry early winter.

After a dry start to February, the region received 0.42 inches of rainfall this week, the highest total so far this winter and a welcome development for soil moisture recovery. Average daily highs held steady at 60.2°F, while overnight lows increased to 39.5°F, raising the mean weekly temperature to 49.6°F. Soil temperatures also rose, averaging 51.5°F. Wind activity picked up noticeably: average daily peak wind speeds increased to 11.4 mph, with the week’s strongest gust reaching 13.9 mph on February 4 at 10 PM. Overall mean wind speed jumped to 6.3 mph. Weekly evapotranspiration (ETo) also climbed to 0.47 inches, reflecting warmer and windier conditions. In summary, this week brought the most significant rainfall of the winter to date, coupled with warmer temperatures and much higher wind speeds. The added rain is a positive shift for soil moisture, but with evaporation and wind on the rise, continued rainfall will be needed to keep up with vine and soil needs as the dormant period progresses.

Dormancy continues in the Santa Lucia Highlands as February begins, but the recent dry pattern has returned. After a brief improvement last week, no measurable rainfall was recorded for the period ending February 2, 2025, further extending the overall winter precipitation deficit. Daytime temperatures cooled, with average daily highs down to 60.2°F compared to 66.1°F the previous week. Overnight lows edged slightly higher, averaging 35.9°F, while the weekly mean temperature held steady at 46.4°F. Soil temperatures ticked down to 48.8°F. Wind activity increased, with average daily peak wind speeds rising to 9.6 mph, and the strongest gust reaching 13.2 mph on January 28 at 4 PM. Mean wind speed for the week climbed to 4.2 mph. Weekly evapotranspiration (ETo) was 0.40 inches, in line with the cooler trend. In summary, the region saw a return to dry conditions, with no additional rainfall to build on last week’s modest totals. Temperatures moderated, and wind increased, contributing to steady evapotranspiration. The continued lack of rain keeps soil moisture well below average as winter progresses, and growers remain alert for changes in the weather pattern as the dormancy period continues.