ENSO and Chill Hours in Georgia Peaches; Some Initial Results CLIMATE PREDICTION APPLICATIONS SCIENCE WORKSHOP 9-10 March 2004, Florida State University David Emory Stooksbury, Ph.D. State Climatologist Engineering and Atmospheric Sciences The University of Georgia stooks@engr.uga.edu 706/583-0156

What does this mean for Peaches? Do different ENSO patterns impact the date at which critical chill hours are reached (number of hours below 45 F)? Is there an increased risk of freeze damage associated with different ENSO patterns?

Conclusions There has been no trend in the date at which critical chill hours are reached There is no trend in the date of the last 28F in the spring

ENSO Conclusions The Winter Climate Pattern Determines When Critical Chill Hours are Reached Chill Hours are Reached Earlier during Neutral and El Nino Climate Pattern Winters No relationship between ENSO and Date of the Last 28F Increased Risk of Late Freeze Damage during Neutral and El Nino Climate Pattern Winters