“The avocado is a food without rival among the fruits, the veritable fruit of paradise.”
~ David Fairchild, American botanist, 1869-1954

I’ve been waiting for this official statement: Aug. 6, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared July to be the hottest month ever recorded in California since modern measurements began 123 years ago. There was little doubt in the minds of Southern Californians as we sweated it out! The following statement was made for one day in particular, July 6, 2018: “Today will be one for the record books.” Statement from the Los Angeles NWS office

This prediction was 100% accurate. Daily, monthly and all-time record highs were set throughout Southern California as a monster heat dome sprawled over the region. The Crescenta Valley reached 117 by late afternoon and downtown Los Angeles was 108 degrees. Our temperature, according to past local weather data, was an all-time record high. LA was five degrees shy of its highest temperature – 113 degrees – set on Sept. 20, 2010.

The heat has continued but thankfully without the same intensity of last month. Last weekend, mostly to escape the local weather, we headed to the coast via one of the original 1936-built state highways, SR 126. The feel of an ocean breeze was almost a lost memory until we saw the water. Soon our memories and sense of well-being were refreshed.

Unfortunately, ranchers along the 126 in Santa Clara River Valley were hit hard by July’s heat; their avocado trees suffered the brunt. We noticed most of the trees appeared scorched and brown. Apparently, July 6 started as a cool and foggy day. By afternoon, temperatures soared beyond 115 degrees. The trees were unable to acclimate to the rapid temperature change.

Temperatures near 100 aren’t uncommon in avocado growing areas, but Jim Donovan, senior vice president of Oxnard, California-based Mission Produce, said the temperatures beyond 115 caused damage to avocado leaves, stems, branches and fruit similar to a hard freeze. Not only was the current fruit damaged, but future harvests were as well. The new bud growth, from where avocados start, shriveled under the sun. As consumers, most of our avocados come from Chile and Mexico. The current price for a bowl of guacamole may increase. Of more concern, the lives of avocado ranchers will be impacted for some time because of the heat on July 6, 2018.

Moving beyond, there isn’t much change in the weather. High pressure is slowly expanding west causing temperatures to increase slightly and thundercloud formations over the mountains. Summer weather is in full swing in spite of the start of school.

Summer and back to school … Though they happen simultaneously, they feel like opposing forces! Keep cool and please drive carefully; our kids are back at work!

Sue Kilpatrick is a Crescenta Valley resident and Official Skywarn Spotter for the National Weather Service. Reach her at suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.