Ideal weather for growers

Metris forecaster and chief executive Dr Mark Bart says good winter chilling has been followed by a mix of mild weather, followed by occasional rain-bearing fronts, which has been positive for key fruit and grape growing regions around the country.

“The mild start to spring for the country has come in waves as Australia’s record heat for this time of year has been pushed onto New Zealand from Westerlies that are squeezing between the competing low pressure systems to the south of us and high pressure to the north.

“This pattern is bringing frequent westerly winds, followed by periods of short, sharp southerlies and frosts of the kind we experienced through September.”

“It is shaping up to be a positive season for fruit growers. We experienced good chilling with cold nights which likely knocked back disease and importantly bodes well for fruit development.

“Plant growth has been between 10-12 days ahead of usual due to the mix of winter chilling and mild conditions from the predominantly westerly weather pattern. We are seeing this in the Growing Degree Days we are tracking for clients where we have weather stations – apples are up considerably on last season.

He says the cold southerly fronts have brought on harder frosts than seen in the previous two to three seasons.

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“While there is extra frost pressure and the frosts have been harder than last season, that comes with periods of clear, warm days which have been a good thing to help get into orchards and vineyards to clear and keep disease pressure under control - a key risk to manage for the season ahead."