June 13, 2021 Cotton Advisories
- A ridge of high pressure has developed over Arizona in recent days driving daytime temperatures to 110⁰F+ in many production areas. This high pressure ridge is expected to intensify this week pushing daytime temperatures to record levels. Daytime high temperatures of 115⁰F+ are expected in low elevation productions areas. The center of the ridge will shift northward to the Four Corners early this week, allowing tropical moisture to enter southern and eastern Arizona. This moisture will fuel afternoon thunderstorm development in high elevation areas and may result in high winds, blowing dust and a few sprinkles in adjacent production areas. Expect night temperatures to elevate to above normal levels with the arrival of this moisture.
- A rare mid-June heat stress event could result from the combination of extreme temperatures and elevated moisture levels. With the extreme heat that is currently engulfing Arizona and forecast to continue for the next 10 days, it is important to avoid water stress on the crop and maintain good plant-water relations. With sufficient soil-water, cotton plants can successfully manage with high temperatures. The dry and hot conditions will accelerate crop water use and irrigation intervals will need to be more frequent than usual for this time of year and stage in the crop season. Most fields are now in early squaring to early bloom phase and developing a good early fruit set is important at this stage of development.
- Weather and Climate Update showing the entire Colorado River Basin dry for the second straight year. A wet monsoon followed by an above normal winter snow pack is needed to begin to reverse the challenges posed by low water levels in Lakes Powell and Mead and our Arizona reservoirs.
The links below are for Cotton Advisories as of June 13, 2021 for different production regions in Arizona: