Week Ending 2025-01-12

The Santa Lucia Highlands remain in full dormancy, with field activity limited as the region continues to monitor weather and soil conditions. For the week ending January 12, 2025, temperatures showed a marked shift: average daily highs increased to 66.7°F (up 3°F from the previous week), while average lows dropped sharply to 34.5°F, a decrease of nearly 9°F. This led to a wider diurnal range and a notable drop in the weekly mean temperature to 48.6°F. Soil temperatures held steady at 51.0°F.
No measurable rainfall was recorded for the second consecutive week, and the cumulative deficit in soil moisture is now becoming more pronounced as the dormant season continues. Evapotranspiration (ETo) increased to 0.53 inches for the week, reflecting the warmer, drier afternoons.

Winds remained a regular feature, with average daily peak speeds rising to 9.1 mph and the highest gust reaching 11.3 mph on January 6 at 2 PM. Overall mean wind speed was similar to last week at 4.3 mph.

The ongoing lack of rain and persistent warm, dry weather are now a key concern for growers as winter soil moisture reserves remain well below ideal. For now, there have been no significant heat spikes, but continued monitoring will be critical if dry conditions persist. The region continues to track as expected for mid-winter, but with increasing attention on rainfall totals and the need for winter storms to recharge the soils ahead of spring.