GEORGETOWN, Del.- Temperature records were broken in Georgetown this afternoon, with a high of 80 degrees beating the 1963 record of 77 degrees.
We are currently experiencing a stretch of abnormally warm weather for the month of October. Even with much colder weather slated for next week, local farmers aren't too worried about the temperature whiplash.Â
Vic Priapi, a horticulturist at Elmer's Market in Georgetown, is no stranger to the sudden warm and cold spells experienced every fall. In his experience, this is fairly normal.
Priapi shares, "I would say that it's always been happening whenever we have a warm stretch in the fall. I don't think it's any worse this year than other years I've seen in the last 15 or 20 years."
Though warm temperatures are not the most ideal for fall crops, Priapi explains, "It's better that the weather is cold for those fall crops because they mature with cooler nights and cooler weather. If it's too wet and too hot early on, they can be affected adversely and not be as hardened off and ready to be harvested, so they might rot early."
Fall crops are, however, susceptible to becoming damaged following longer stretches of warm weather. Priapi notes, "Plants are confused when it's warm for a long period in the fall; they think it's spring, they're trying to adapt, and if it gets really cold, it might damage them."
Despite the spring-like conditions this week, Priapi is hopeful that the colder weather will allow fall crops to continue thriving. He states, "I think this cold weather coming next week should slow them down and make them realize that winter is coming; it's time to stop thinking it's spring."
There's no need to be spooked by this warm October weather. In fact, Priapi reassures us that all of your favorite fall produce will be available at your favorite local farms and produce stands.