Cold temperatures should not negatively impact Texas crops and could benefit some, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts.
Less than halfway through winter, most of the state has already experienced temperatures below the average value for the coldest day of the year, but only by a few degrees, said Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon, state climatologist, College Station.
January is the coldest month on average for Texas, and 2018 has started as one of the coldest in almost 20 years.
Waco reported the most extreme temperature based on annual averages, he said. In an average year, the temperature reaches 16 degrees, but this year it has already been as cold as 12 degrees.
Cold conditions may benefit some producers and hurt others, but dry conditions are the top concern for producers in some Texas regions, climatologists said.
Fresh-market spinach, broccoli and cabbage were being harvested after temperatures reached 20 degrees in Uvalde, he said. Those crops should sustain minimal damage.
On the other hand, the cold snap will likely mean Texas fruit growers receive ample chill hours, something they missed during the two previous growing seasons, Stein said.
But drought conditions can exacerbate problems when coupled with near zero degree and negative temperatures.