North Carolina State University
Blue Mold Forecast
*** 20 March: Blue Mold has been discovered in the United States. Blue mold was confirmed earlier this week in Alachua County, Florida near the town of Alachua. A 2-acre plant bed is estimated to be completely infected. Forecasts from this area will be added immediately. We will soon produce a special statement on this situation. ***
Forecast Summary: Saturday, March 22
Regional Weather (Southeast U.S. / eastern Gulf of Mexico): Fairly tranquill weather for the next several days. A disturbance in the southeastern Gulf (the remnants of the mid-week cold front) will bring some showers to that area today as it moves north and east. Meanwhile, a cold front will move into the region from the northwest on Saturday. Dry weather today for the interior Southeast will therefore continue on Sunday, while the showery weather exits FL. Monday will be dry for most locations. There are indications that a low pressure system may develop off the NC capes on Monday, which may bring some precipitation to parts of the eastern Carolinas. Temperatures will run warmer than normal for most areas today, then cool off to normal or below normal for Sunday and Monday behind the cold front.
OUTLOOK
Saturday through Monday: Transport events from the known sources are Low Threats to other areas. Trajectories from Cuba do not indicate a threat to other regions. Transport events out of Alachua County, FL move south and southwest each day. Conditions on Sunday and Monday will be unfavorable for transport and deposition. Some short range epidemic spread may occur with Saturday's weather. Conditions on Sunday and Monday will be unfavorable for transport and deposition. Weakly Moderate Risk for tobacco plants in northern FL on Saturday. Low Risk otherwise from Saturday through Monday.
TK