Week Ending 2025-03-09

Cooler weather returned to the Santa Lucia Highlands this week, taking some of the momentum out of early spring progress as budbreak begins in a few sites. Average daily highs dropped to 62.1°F and overnight lows settled at 39.6°F, with the mean air temperature falling to 49.2°F. Soil temperature dipped but held firm at 54.4°F—still well above the 50°F mark that signals active vine growth.
Rainfall picked up, with 0.83 inches recorded, providing a timely boost to soil moisture after an extended dry stretch. Evapotranspiration remained steady at 0.75 inches. Wind was moderate, with daily peaks averaging 11.0 mph and the highest gust reaching 13.0 mph.

With soil and air temperatures remaining favorable for vine growth and the first green shoots now appearing in early blocks, this week’s rain arrives at an opportune moment. While the cooling trend has slowed development slightly, all signs continue to point to a strong and early start to the 2025 growing season in the Santa Lucia Highlands.