Categorized | Agriculture

Hawaii Weekly Crop Weather Report for May 13, 2012

MEDIA RELEASE

Weather Review

On May 8, 2012, the U.S. Drought Monitor reported no change in drought conditions from last week. Areas with no drought present were reported at 40 percent. The seasonal drought outlook for Hawaii from May 3 through July 31, 2012 indicated drought conditions are likely to either persist or intensify for leeward areas in Hawaii and Maui Counties.

Hawaii County
A front to the north of the islands diminished trade winds throughout the week, bringing light rain and sunny days to most windward areas and an increase in precipitation for many leeward areas. Rains decreased later in the week, with the trades culminating in a beautiful, sunny weekend. Light variable winds Sunday evening allowed voggy conditions to develop in parts of Puna, however no crop damage has been reported due to the vog.

Diminishing winds brought increased rain to many dry leeward areas. The greatest precipitation recorded island- wide this week was 2.09 inches collected on Friday at the Honaunau gage. The Waimea Irrigation System’s water level was marked at 49.00 feet (50.7 million gallons) on Monday, May 14, 2012, a decrease of 1.00 foot or 2 percent from the reading taken May 7, 2012. Conservation status remained unrestricted.

Maui County
Maui had sunny fair weather this week. The trade winds subsided to light breezy conditions with occasional stronger gusts. These conditions have allowed localized showers along northeastern Maui. Leeward sections of the island have remained dry with declining pasture conditions. Only dry forage was available for cattle in most areas. Some upper elevation pastures had been able to maintain sparse green forage, but only through prudent management practices. The dry conditions have increased seasonal insect feeding as well as wildlife feeding pressure. Generally, crops had been able to make steady progress with adequate irrigation water continuing to be available. The Molokai Irrigation System water level was marked at 16.50 feet (363.0 million gallons) on Monday, May 14, 2012, unchanged from the reading taken on Monday May 7, 2012. Mandatory 30 percent water conservation measures were in effect for all non- homestead users.

Honolulu County
The weather for Oahu this week was mostly dry, with very few light scattered showers and lots of sunshine. The island-wide rainfall average was 0.12 inch for the week. The Waimanalo Irrigation System water level was marked at 49.25 feet (37.8 million gallons) on Monday, May 14, 2012, down 1.25 feet or 2 percent from the reading taken on the previous Monday. A voluntary 10 percent conservation status is in effect.

Kauai County
This was a fairly dry week for Kauai, which received an island-wide average rainfall of 0.47 inch. Despite the lack of precipitation, Kauai remains the only county with no reported drought conditions present.

Agricultural Highlights

Orchards and Vegetable
Not much precipitation but lots of sunshine this week made for mixed crop conditions. However, irrigation water ensured continuing crop development where available. Livestock and Pasture Pasture conditions declined as very little precipitation fell this week.

Full Hawaii Crop Weather Report PDF

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