Categorized | Agriculture

USDA Hawaii crop weather report for the week ending March 2, 2014

MEDIA RELEASE

Weather Review

The bulk of measurable rainfall fell on Thursday through Sunday. On February 25, U.S. Drought Monitor reported that 54.62 percent of the State was abnormally dry or drier, unchanged from the previous week. Complete information provided by the Drought Monitor can be found on their internet informational site location at http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/

Hawaii County
The week started off with mostly clears skies, low relative humidity and cooler than normal temperatures. Trade winds blew vog and haze from the eastside of the island leaving skies clear early in the week. As the week progressed winds became much lighter and overcast skies prevailed. Heavy showers fell along the Hamakua coast mid-week; Island Dairy received 2.63 inches in a 24-hour period ending on the 27th. Other windward areas received isolated showers that ranged from 0.1- 0.75 inch. Various orchard crops and landscapes along the windward areas are mostly green and progressing well from lots sunshine intermixed with scattered precipitation. South Kohala has had some light showers throughout the week, but irrigation use was needed to supplement crops. The Puukapu Reservoir water level was marked at 43.0 feet (41.5 million gallons) on Friday, February 28, 2014, down 3.5 feet from the previous Friday’s reading.

The Puu Pulehu Reservoir was 18.5 feet (105 million gallons) on February 28, 2014, unchanged from the previous Friday’s reading. The Puukapu and Puu Pulehu Reservoirs feed into the Waimea Irrigation System where a mandatory 10 percent reduction in water consumption status was in effect. The Paauilo Reservoir water level was marked at 21.0 feet (10.0 million gallons) on Friday, February 28, 2014, unchanged from the previous Friday’s reading. The Honokaia Reservoir was 8.0 feet (1.0 million gallons) on February 28, 2014, unchanged from the previous Friday’s reading. The Paauilo and Honokaia Reservoirs feed into the Lower Hamakua Irrigation System where no conservation measures were in effect.

Honolulu County
Rainfall amounts reported by the National Weather Service’s Hydronet systems of automated rain gauges averaged 0.38 inch of rainfall for the week. The Waimanalo Irrigation System water level was marked at 62.0 feet (59 million gallons) on Friday, February 28, 2014, unchanged from the previous Friday’s reading. No conservation measures were in effect.

Maui County
The weather throughout Maui County continued to be variable mainly due to the varying wind pattern. Weather conditions surrounding the state have directly impacted the wind pattern. Early in the week, periods of normal northeast trade winds has allowed for precipitation over some mountain areas. A cold front passing over the state brought additional rainfall over most sections of Maui County over the weekend. This precipitation continues to benefit the ground moisture and water supply for these areas. The lack of wind and occasional southern air movement has allowed for volcanic haze to come from the south and settle over sections of the islands of Maui County. Temperatures have been cool during the late evening and early morning, and periodic cloud cover over the higher elevation areas may be contributing the reduced amount of irrigation necessary to maintain crop growth and development. Most crops are in fair to good condition; however crops continued to require more time to reach maturity. The Molokai Irrigation System water level was marked at 21.0 feet (462 million gallons) on Friday February 28, 2014, up 0.25 foot from the previous Friday’s reading. Conservation measures required all non-homestead water users to cutback water consumption by 30 percent.

Kauai County
Rains were steady in many locations, including leeward slopes and coastlines. February 2014 total levels surpassed the normal averages for most stations.

Agricultural Highlights

Orchards and Vegetables
Crop harvest, sprays, and other harvest activities continued without interruption in most areas.

Livestock and Pasture
Pasture conditions have improved due to recent rains received in many localities including leeward pastures.

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