North Carolina State University
Blue Mold Forecast
***** The forecast season will begin with the monitoring of transport events out of western Cuba. While we do not have any information regarding the presence or absence of blue mold in Cuba, in 8 of the last 12 years the first outbreaks in the United States have been the result of airborne transport of blue mold spores from Cuba to the growing regions of northern FL or southern GA. *****
Forecast Summary: Saturday, March 8
Regional Weather (Southeast U.S. / eastern Gulf of Mexico): Strong storm system moving out of the weather picture. Intense low pressure now over southwest VA is moving off to the northeast. The attendant cold front is sweeping through the far eastern and southern portions of the region this morning. Showers in those areas, and some precipitation over GA / southern Appalachian mountains, will be ending as the day progresses. Clearing, windy, and much cooler conditions are expected in the wake of this system. Benign weather for Sunday and Monday with moderating temperatures. Dry save for a few showers possible in the southeastern Gulf areas.
OUTLOOK
Saturday through Monday: Trajectories from western Cuba move in a general southwesterly direction each day. These events pose minimal threat to any production areas of the United States. Low Risk to U. S. tobacco plants Saturday through Monday.
TK