Week Ending 2025-03-02

Warming trends persisted in the Santa Lucia Highlands this week, as dormancy gives way to the first hints of spring. Daily high temperatures averaged 69.1°F, with nighttime lows climbing to 44.9°F, pushing the weekly mean temperature to 54.4°F. Soil temperature continued its steady rise, averaging 56.7°F—well above the 50°F threshold associated with the onset of vine activity and early bud swell.
Rainfall remained limited, with just 0.09 inches recorded for the week, and evapotranspiration stayed elevated at 0.70 inches, reflecting ongoing warmth and steady winds. Wind activity remained notable, with daily peak speeds averaging 12.8 mph and a maximum gust of 18.3 mph recorded on March 1.

With both soil and air temperatures consistently above critical budbreak levels, vineyards are on the edge of a transition, and early blocks may already be showing signs of bud swell. Continued lack of rainfall means soil moisture reserves will need careful monitoring as green growth begins. As we move further into March, all indicators point to an early and potentially rapid start to the 2025 growing season in the Santa Lucia Highlands.