The high heat caused the loss of 20% of the cherry crop

In the northwestern United States, the high heat wave caused extensive damage to cherries. According to the latest estimates, around 20% of the total harvest has been lost.

 

In Yakima, Washington state, northwestern United States, the temperature reached an all-time high of 113 °F (45 °C) on June 29. This heat caused various problems which made the cherries unsuitable for the fresh cherry market. Some growers left the cherries on the trees and others harvested the fruits for processing.

 

Northwest Cherry Growers has started a damage assessment and estimates that approximately 20% of the total crop has been lost. Much of the loss relates to the Yakima Valley where the cherries were about to be picked.

 

In May, Northwest Cherry Growers estimated the harvest at 23.8 million 20-pound (9.07 kg) boxes for the 5 states, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana. The volume for this season is expected to reach just 18-19 million 20-pound cans.

 

Harvesting in the upper Yakima Valley ended in late June, while other parts of Washington state and the Northwest will be completed in the coming weeks. The cherries should be available until the 1st week of August.