Freezing rain

 



Unseasonal weather conditions, such as unusually warm winters, late frosts, out-of-season snow, summer hailstorms, or prolonged rains in dry seasons, are disrupting traditional agricultural practices worldwide.

For example, in 2024, British Columbia's horticultural farmers suffered significant devastation primarily due to a warm winter that triggered early budding of fruit trees. This was followed by a deep freeze when the flowers all perished, causing a near-total collapse of the annual crop.

Following an unseasonably warm winter, temperatures in the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys plummeted to as low as -30°C between January 11 and 15. This abrupt freeze caused extensive damage to crops, including:​
  • Stone Fruits: Peaches, apricots, and nectarines experienced near-total losses. ​
  • Cherries: The cherry harvest was reduced by approximately 85% to 90%. ​
  • Grapes: Vineyards faced catastrophic losses, with some reports indicating up to 95% of the grape crop was affected.

Global warming is real, and the consequences are devastating communities across the world. This is not a political issue - time for action is now. We owe it to future generations.

Comments

Anonymous said…
☹️sad reality ....enough for everyone's need but not everyone's greed .
April 7, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Kieran said…
Very true. When global warming became a political issue - we did a huge disservice to the next generation. Politics, science and religion should not be mixed
April 7, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Anonymous said…
Here in India it is similar. We have abnormal temperature fluctuations. Cloudy skies & rains when not as per the regular seasons. Eg this year we had a very thick and rich mango blossom. But suddenly we had dark overcast skies for nearly 2 weeks then untimely rain, although not heavy showers. But this resulted in the bloom being destroyed. It blackened out and was shed by the trees. Then after that whatever was left got developed into very small green tender mango globules. Again we had overcast skies and cold nights. So this time developed fruit was shed by the tree. So we won't get even 15% of what we expected.
April 7, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Kieran said…
So sad. Especially for the poor Indian farmers. I recall a few years ago there were mass suicides due to failed crops and the inaction of the government to provide adequate relief - in fact there was outright denial
April 7, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Anonymous said…
Yes, the weather has become unpredictable all over the world.

We have 70F followed by 40F (high temp) the next day

Devastating for fruit trees and crops 😯

Will get worse with all environmental work shut down here
April 7, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Kieran said…
Sad that this adminstration has put its head in the proverbial sand. By dismising the reality - it only gets much worse.
April 7, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Anonymous said…
OMGosh! I just realized that when viewing your posts late at night that I make no mention of your art. Apologies! I was quite taken with your ‘rain’ photo and appreciate your artistic endeavors!
April 8, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Kieran said…
Ah, thank you, my dear. There is no compulsion to comment, but I appreciate your feedback which is often very thoughtful.
April 8, 2025 at 4:52 PM
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