Strawberries.

Morning sky.

That is correct.  Strawberries are in, and about to boom.  Good old fashioned, organic local strawberries are about to go off across the region.  Salinas is already into the goods.  Watsonville is coming on.  Central valley and the foothills are close on their foot steps.  Last month's rain, followed by this week's sun and warmth are about to fill our market with bright red berries.  It will almost begin to make you think that tomato season is right around the corner.  Alas, we have a few months to wait for anything but the earliest of girls.

Today will be hot in some areas.  Your eyes are by now probably adjusted to the sunlight, but it can take our bodies a bit longer to adjust to the drastic change in temperature.  But get the most of it while you can, as after tomorrow, we see a change.  Even though the cool air and possible rain move out after the weekend, it will be a bit before we reach today's highs again.  A good chance of 90F near Pinnacles NP, and over 80F expected in Santa Cruz today.  Along the coast, things cool to the mid 70s on Friday, but in the central valley, it may get even warmer tomorrow, before cooling on Saturday.  It is a sign of things to come.  As we move from winter to spring to summer, we will see heat beginning to pool in the valleys, with the  Pacific cooling areas along the coast.  That warm central valley air will begin to rise along the west slope by May, melting away the snowpack and heating the Sierra.  Change is a coming.

Moderate sized snow bank.

The only real day of weather expected this week will be this coming Saturday.  The weekend will be about 15 degrees cooler than today.  Slight chance of showers in the south and moderate chance of rain in the north.  Freezing levels will start around 8000 feet and drop to around 6000 feet, leaving up to a half foot of snow at the higher elevations.  Precipitation moves east over night and Sunday will start crisp and cool, with breaking clouds.  All, in all, pretty boring considering the past few weeks.

So, the real question is: Do you plant your tomatoes in the ground yet?  Here on the coast, and really anywhere below 1000 feet, I'd say it is time to go.  While we may get some more cool weather this year, it is my guess that we are out of the weeds.  Up higher, and further inland, you still see a chance for some cold nights.  Highly doubtful that we get a freeze, but you really just need to get into the low 40s to cause some stunting.  And no one wants a stunt.  But with a row cover, or other protection for the rare cold night, you should be good.  The earlier you get in the ground, the longer your production season.  Especially with cherry tomatoes.  And after last season's disappointment, I am needing for a bountiful year.

Burrowing to the front door is always fun.

Next week will warm up a bit, with high 60s and low 70s across the region.  The central valley may have a chance to heat up a bit.  Or we may see another system coming through our area a week from today.  Right now, this looks to be a northerly storm with colder air.  Still, I would not be surprised if this thing brushes by to our north.  Teleconnections suggest a chance of wet weather returning to our zone mid to late in the month.  Perhaps we have another week of storms to brave before the season is over.  Just as likely we will stay in a dry pattern, with a few very brief periods of cooling and rain.  For now, enjoy the sun.

Warm and sunny through Friday.  Apply that sunblock, especially if above snow level.  Stormy on Saturday with mountain snow.  Clearing for Sunday, with a coastal high of 65F and 35F at 8500 feet.  Warmer on Monday and clear through Wednesday.