Jun 16, 2011
Here's the beginning of the 2011 rice season in three graphs*:
Degree day (DD) accumulation over the developmental threshold of 55 oF (starting May 1st) during early May in 2011 was similar to 2008 and 2009. By mid May, temperatures dropped drastically and DD accumulation for 2011 now resembles more 2010, a cool year. Rice planted early to mid May is behind.
During 2011, there were not enough heat units during mid May and early June (no DD). In comparison, during 2008, heat unit accumulation was high during mid May and increased gradually from the end of May to early June.
Average daily temperatures during early May 2011 were higher than during 2010. However, the trend didn't last long and temperatures dropped in mid May. During late May and early June 2011 temperatures were substantially lower than during the same period in 2010.
What's coming next? Hard to say, but we seem to be facing another unusual year that looks much like 2010.
*All temperatures used are from the CIMIS station #32 at Colusa.