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 15
Regional Weather (Southeast U.S. / eastern Gulf of Mexico): A potent frontal / low pressure system will follow closely on the heels of Friday's unsettled weather. Impacts will be felt across the northern areas of the Southeast with clouds, showers, and thunderstorms Saturday and Saturday night. The southern half of the region will be sunny and dry. As the cold front drives south and east, by Sunday high pressure will build in from the north. Cooler temperatures and dry, sunny conditions are expected Sunday and Monday.
OUTLOOK
Saturday through Monday: After today's air movements to the northeast over southern FL, Sunday's and Monday's transport events track to the WNW over the Gulf of Mexico. The unsettled weather across the northern sections of the Southeast will be too far away to have any influence. Conditions each day are expected to unfavorable for survivable transport. Low Risk to U. S. tobacco plants Saturday through Monday.
TK