Week Ending 2025-03-23

The 2025 growing season continues to accelerate in the Santa Lucia Highlands, with temperatures and wind both trending upward this week. Daily highs averaged 65.9°F, and nighttime lows held steady at 41.1°F, bringing the mean air temperature up to 52.2°F. Soil temperature increased as well, now averaging 55.5°F—reinforcing active shoot growth and ongoing canopy expansion throughout the region.
Rainfall was minimal at just 0.09 inches, while evapotranspiration climbed to 0.94 inches for the week, reflecting the combined impact of warmer conditions and persistent wind. Wind activity intensified: daily peak wind speeds averaged 14.9 mph, with the highest gust reaching 16.2 mph on March 20. Overall mean wind for the week was 6.8 mph.

As budbreak progresses and early shoot growth accelerates, the main pattern of the season remains clear: moderate soil moisture carried over from late winter rains, but limited new precipitation and increasing evaporative demand as temperatures climb. Compared with recent vintages, the rapid increase in soil and air temperatures this March is reminiscent of 2014, continuing to drive early and vigorous growth across most sites.

With the region now fully transitioned out of dormancy, growers are watching canopy development and soil moisture closely. The combination of steady warmth and strong wind will be a key consideration as the season builds toward the next phase of growth.