Week Ending 2025-02-23

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.