1994 Weather Conditions

Abstract

The 1994 cotton production season began with near optimal weather conditions. Temperatures and precipitation during planting and early vegetative growth were near optimal levels and were generally near normal. Summer brought an extended period of high day and night temperatures which began in June and continued through September at most locations. The period of high temperature associated with the monsoon (July and August) coincided with a rapid decline in fruit retention across much of the state. While the monsoon provided the usual rise in night temperature and humidity, summer rainfall was relatively light at most locations. Early fall weather was warm and dry, providing generally good conditions for finishing the crop. Weather conditions then cooled dramatically in the late fall prior to the onset of heavy rains in December. The wet December conditions limited post harvest field work in many locations.