Cold snap threatens Central Coast crops

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) Plunging temperatures on Monday and Tuesday nights could cause severe damage to crops on the Central Coast, according to the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California.

The crops' survival depends on two factors. The first is how long the plant has been in the ground. If the crop hasn't had a chance to grow and bulk up, then it won't be resistant to this kind of weather.

“Anything that could’ve been just recently planted, say, within a week or so, you’d have to be very sensitive to take a look," Grower-Shipper Association president Christopher Valadez said.

Another factor to consider is how long the cold snap lasts.

“Basically what you’re looking at is how long is that plant going to be exposed to any temperature that could be damaging to it as it’s developing,” Valadez said.