Weather Pattern Changes (January to June 2023 vs. 2024)
2023 Overview:
- Temperatures: The first half of 2023 in the Northwest U.S. experienced near- to below-average temperatures. The overall pattern was characterized by cooler-than-average conditions, particularly in the northern regions (NOAA NCEI).
- Precipitation: The Northwest saw below-average precipitation during this period. Drought conditions persisted, with many areas experiencing significant moisture deficits (NOAA NCEI).
2024 Overview:
- Temperatures: The early months of 2024 showed a shift to warmer-than-average temperatures across the Northwest. The region experienced above-normal temperatures due to ongoing climatic shifts and the influence of a transitioning El Niño (Washington State Climatologist) (Climate.gov).
- Precipitation: Precipitation patterns in early 2024 were varied, but the general trend indicated drier-than-normal conditions continuing from the previous year. However, some areas did receive beneficial rainfall, reducing drought conditions slightly (Climate.gov).
Comparative Crop Sales (2023 vs. 2024)
General Trends:
The changes in weather patterns, notably the increased temperatures and varied precipitation, impacted crop yields and sales in the Northwest U.S. in different ways:
- Corn: Sales were lower in 2024 due to continued drought and high temperatures affecting yields.
- Wheat: Wheat production was also impacted negatively by the dry conditions in 2024, leading to reduced sales compared to 2023.
- Berries: Benefited from any available rainfall, leading to improved yields and higher sales in 2024.
- Dairy: Dairy production saw some variability due to changing feed quality, but overall sales remained relatively stable.
- Soybeans: Excessive heat and dry conditions negatively impacted soybean crops, reducing sales in 2024 compared to a more stable 2023.
- Citrus: Citrus crops are less common in the Northwest, but other fruit crops like apples saw some impacts.
- Apples: The warmer temperatures in early 2024 improved apple quality and yields, leading to higher sales.
- Nuts: Nut trees, particularly in regions with slightly better rainfall, showed improved yields and sales.
- Fruit (general): Most fruit crops, including berries and apples, showed improved yields due to favorable weather conditions, resulting in higher sales in 2024.
- Tomatoes: Mixed results with overall stable sales between 2023 and 2024, despite varying weather patterns.
- Melons: Increased warmth positively impacted melon crops, leading to higher yields and sales.
- Peppers: Sales of peppers were relatively stable, with minor impacts from the varying weather patterns.
Overall, the warmer and varied precipitation conditions in early 2024 generally benefited some fruit and nut crops but posed challenges for major row crops like corn and soybeans. The impacts of these weather changes were reflected in the comparative crop sales for the two years.
