Читать книгу Weather For Dummies - John D. Cox - Страница 24

A farmer wants to know everything you want to know about tomorrow’s weather, but the farmer also has to keep an eye out for a few other special things. Much depends on the average seasonal conditions, or climate, of the region, and, of course, on the kinds of crops in the field.

All farmers are on the lookout for frost, because of the damage it causes to crops. In areas with large citrus orchards and vineyards, where freezing temperatures are rare, growers use large outdoor fans and heating devices to keep their trees and vines from freezing. These fans cause the coldest air, which is nearest the ground, to circulate with warmer air above it.

Another key indicator for many farmers is the combination of sunshine, heat, humidity, and wind conditions that let them know how much evaporation of moisture from their fields to expect. This evapotranspiration rate is closely watched by farmers who irrigate their fields.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and many private companies provide farmers with weather forecasts tailored especially to their local needs around the country.