STATE CLIMATE OFFICE DISCUSSES SPRING FORECAST

The State Climate Office says a developing weather pattern is likely to produce variable conditions this spring.

Studies by the State Climate Office, based at Purdue University, show that when an El Nino is in progress, April temperatures range from below normal in northern Indiana to above normal in the southern counties. April precipitation tends to be below normal in northern Indiana to above normal in the south.

The office says although some "seasonalization" in temperature patterns is expected, Indiana hasn't experienced "normal" conditions consistently for quite a while and isn't likely to see them anytime soon.

Cold temperatures and drier-than-normal conditions are expected through April 1.

This winter was not as severe as a year ago, so it has not been as damaging to plants. Harsh weather in February took its toll on peach buds in southern Indiana because temperatures dipped to 14 degrees below zero at one point. A Purdue extension fruit tree specialist says there will likely be little or no crops of peaches in the southern part of the state

Indiana apple trees, which can withstand colder temperatures than peach trees, fared well over the winter. Cool weather in the coming weeks actually would be good for fruit trees because it would make them less susceptible to cold that could follow an early spring warm-up.

Grape growers are finally getting the chance to help their grapevines recover from the exceptionally harsh cold of last year's winter. There has been some damage this year to grape varieties tender to cold, but Extension viticulture specialist Bruce Bordelon said growers can adjust by pruning.

This winter's weather is unlikely to affect crop insect pests such as corn rootworm.
A pattern of warm days followed by freezing in January and February can kill the eggs, but Indiana did not have that weather this year.