Heating demand soars in Ga.; peaches, blueberries in danger

ATHENS - Heating demand has soared in Georgia since December 1 and the recent unseasonably cold weather means that peaches and blueberries are "very susceptible" to a spring freeze, according to state climatologist David Stooksbury.<br /> <br /> "The El Niño winter pattern is expected to continue with below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation," Stooksbury said Monday. "Through the first half of climatological winter, which began December 1, Georgians have experienced abnormally cold and wet weather. This cold weather has led to a very high heating demand."<br /> <br /> For the first half of winter, December 1 through January 15, Stooksbury said, heating demand ranged from 19% to 43% above normal at Savannah and Alma, respectively. Between January 1 and 15, it ranged from 41% to 93% above normal<br /> at Athens and Alma, respectively. Across the piedmont, heating demand for the first half of winter has been 30% above normal for Atlanta and 25% above normal for Athens. Compared to last year, heating demand for the first half of winter is 60% higher for Atlanta and 51% higher for Athens. <br /> <br /> In middle Georgia, heating demand for the first half of winter has been 39% above normal for Columbus, 28% for Macon and 24% for Augusta. Compared to last year, heating demand for the first half of winter is 78% higher for Columbus, 80% higher for Macon, and 87% higher for Augusta.<br /> <br /> South Georgia heating demand for the first half of winter is 19% above normal for Savannah, 27% for Brunswick, and 43% for Alma. Compared to last year, heating demand for the first half of winter is 82% higher for Savannah, 99% higher for Brunswick, and 83% higher for Alma.<br /> <br /> For the first half of January, heating demand across all of<br /> Georgia was even greater than for the winter as a whole. This<br /> means that January heating bills are expected to be much higher<br /> that last year.<br /> <br /> BLUEBERRIES, PEACHES IN DANGER<br /> <br /> "Because of the extended cold spell, chill-hours have accumulated rapidly across the state," Stooksbury added. "Chill-hours for the season are in excess of 800 across much of middle and south Georgia. This means that many varieties of peaches and blueberries have reached or are near the number of chill-hours needed to break dormancy."<br /> <br /> Because peaches and blueberries have accumulated or are near accumulating the chill-hours necessary to break dormancy, any extended period of temperatures in the 70s could result in flowering. <br /> <br /> "If early flowering occurs, peaches and blueberries will be very susceptible to a late winter or spring freeze." Stooksbury said. "Producers are encouraged to take appropriate action to protect their crops from a possible freeze."<br /> <br /> The El Niño winter pattern is expected through March with below <br /> normal temperatures and above normal precipitation. "There is an increased risk of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes through the spring," he said. <br /> <br /> Agricultural fields are expected to remain near saturation through March, according to Stooksbury. Late winter and spring field work is expected to be delayed. The continuation of wet soils mean that flood risk is enhance statewide.<br /> <br /> Stooksbury added that it is not unusual for an extended dry period to follow an El Niño winter with dryness beginning in the middle of spring. <br /> <br /> (Updated weather information, including chill-hours, may be found from UGAâ

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