Week Ending 2025-01-19

The Santa Lucia Highlands continue in deep dormancy, and the weather remains a key focus as the dry pattern persists into late January. For the third consecutive week, no measurable rainfall was recorded. This ongoing lack of winter precipitation is now a primary concern for soil moisture reserves as the dormant season progresses.
Temperatures moderated slightly this week. Average daily highs dropped to 63.2°F, down from 66.7°F last week. Nighttime lows continued to fall, averaging 31.6°F, the lowest so far this winter, with the mean weekly temperature at 44.3°F. Soil temperatures also trended downward, now averaging 48.9°F.

Afternoon wind patterns were unchanged, with average daily peak wind at 9.1 mph. The strongest gust of the week reached 13.7 mph on January 19 at 4 PM. Overall mean wind speed was 4.0 mph. Weekly evapotranspiration (ETo) fell slightly to 0.46 inches, in line with the cooler trend.

The ongoing dry spell is now the dominant climate factor, with soil profiles continuing to dry out as the region moves further into winter without meaningful rainfall. No heat spikes have occurred, and cold nights are contributing to chill hour accumulation, which is positive for dormancy. However, winter precipitation is needed to support healthy vine growth in the coming season. For now, the Highlands remain on a typical mid-winter track—cool, dry, and dormant—with increasing attention on the need for rainfall as January continues.