It will be necessary for your Forecaster to be out of the office quite a bit during the next two weeks. We will continue to have regular forecasts (barring unforeseen circumstances), although they may not adhere to our normal schedule of Monday - Wednesday - Friday. We will make every effort to forecast for as many days as possible. The format we have been using for much of this spring will be retained for the foreseeable future (detailed forecasts for the U.S. source and other significant events, trajectory-only otherwise). TK
FORECAST SUMMARY: Friday, May 16:
***** Disease Update - May 14 ...... Our thanks to Tom Kucharek .... who informs us that the presence of blue mold is increasing in northern Florida. Four counties now have confirmed cases: Columbia, Gilchrist, Hamilton, and Suwannee. Blue mold is not yet a major problem here. However, plant canopies are closing, and increased disease activity is expected if the weather turns favorable.
***** An active weather pattern is in store for the Southeast this weekend ***** Mixed conditions for survivable transport and deposition are expected for the trajectory events from northern FL and southern GA. The trajectories move slowly through southern GA each day. Skies will be partly cloudy, accompanied by a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. The threat to other regions appears Low, with Moderate Risk for tobacco crops in northern FL and southern GA Friday through Sunday.
***** Elsewhere, the other known sources are Low Threats this weekend.
TK
Areas at Strongly Moderate or HIGH Risk during the past week: Northern FL, southern GA
Current Sources:
Previous Sources:
None
Local Weather in North Carolina is available from the WRAL-TV5 Weather Center, which also has links to other weather sites.
***** NOTE: These forecasts/outlooks only apply to disease development from airborne transport of spores!!! We do not have the capability to ascertain blue mold development by other means, such as transplanting of infected seedlings, nor will we attempt to do so. Please consult the Extension Service personnel in your area if you have concerns about these matters! *****
This service is provided by the North Carolina State University departments of Plant Pathology and Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences.