This is the climate update for the
month of April, 2008. The Spring of 2008 has been cold, or maybe I just need a
better hat.
We have accumulated 1.83 inches of
rain since the 1st of April and that is 1.08 inches less than the
same period in 2007. Q1 2008 rainfall was 15.24 inches and was 2.93 inches more
than the 12.31 inches of rain for Q1 2007. The historical 30 year average for
Q1 is 19.72 inches of rain, or 536,384 gallons per acre. Also, based on this
historical average, we can expect Q2 to provide about 5.91 inches of rain, +/-
5.91 inches of rain.
We have not recorded any degree
days this month. Our highest high was 80.90 and our lowest high was 76.70. Our
lowest low was 27.60 and our highest low was 29.30 degrees Fahrenheit. For
comparison, we did not record any degree days for April 2007; about 25 degree
days for April 2006 and 49 degree days for April 2005.
The vineyard floor has been chisel
plowed and rotovated in alternate rows and an early Round-up spray was applied
in alternate rows. Note to self - replacement chisel plow springs are about
$32.80, each plus s/h.
We experienced bud break in the
Chardonnay on April 28, and it was the only variety brazen enough to do so. As
they say, "he, who travels fastest, travels alone."
Once again, we appear
"on-track" for the vintage of the century
Ernie
