By Blake Jackson
Last year's apple harvest in New York was significantly affected by cold temperatures, and this week farmers are facing similar concerns as temperatures plummet across Upstate New York.
Meteorologist Tom Niziol, a seasoned expert with NOAA’s National Weather Service office in Western New York, highlighted the severity of the current weather conditions.
Niziol mentioned on social media that temperatures dropped as low as 12 degrees in certain areas, particularly impacting apple growers in Western and Central New York.
Tim Bittner, a partner at Bittner-Singer Orchards, shared insights into the potential impact of these cold temperatures based on past experiences. Reflecting on a particularly chilling morning last year, Bittner described how temperatures dipped to freezing levels, reaching as low as 30 degrees on their farm and even colder temperatures reported elsewhere in the state.
These recent developments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by New York's apple farmers, underscoring the vulnerability of crops to extreme weather events.
The resilience of the agriculture industry in adapting to such conditions remains crucial as farmers strive to navigate and mitigate the impact of unpredictable weather patterns on their harvests.
Photo Credit: istock-rixipix
Categories: New York, Crops, Weather