A heat advisory is in effect across all California growing regions today, with temperatures expected to reach the mid- to upper 90s. Cooler weather is forecast later this week, with temperatures returning to the mid- to upper 70s. Growers are prioritizing the health and safety of harvest crews, which may impact production schedules and order fulfillment.
Watsonville/Salinas, California
- Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available
- Harvesting may be slowed due to extreme heat conditions
- Daytime temperatures are expected to reach the mid- to upper 90s
- Suppliers are working to maintain normal production schedules and fill orders
- Quality ranges from fair to good; misshapen berries, bruising, and soft skin have been reported
- Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
- Cooler temperatures are expected later this week, improving harvesting conditions
Santa Maria/Oxnard, California
- Limited volume is available and unable to supplement meaningful shortages from northern districts
- Harvesting schedules remain inconsistent
- Elevated temperatures are also expected in the region today
- Production is not sufficient to offset any significant disruptions in Watsonville/Salinas
- Growing conditions are expected to improve as temperatures moderate later this week
Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.
©2026 Markon Cooperative, Inc. All rights reserved