Temperatures were well above average across New York State during the first half of April. Through April 17, Western New York and the Finger Lakes saw temperatures run around eight degrees above the long-term average.
New York State is the second-largest producer of apples in the country. Producing nearly 30 million bushels a year, this equates to about a $345 million industry.
Wayne County in the Finger Lakes is the third-highest producer of apples in the country, with over 23,000 acres of apples.
The fruit trees now have buds on them. If the weather stays warm, they will bloom early.
Once in bloom, the tree's blossoms are very susceptible to cold temperatures. If temperatures drop to the upper 20s for just a short time, the blossoms can be killed and unable to produce fruit.
In the spring of 2012, a warm start to the season prompted the apple trees to blossom early. A hard freeze not long after damaged the blossoms, which resulted in apple production falling to nearly 30% of the average. This lead to great economic loss for the region's fruit farmers.
The temperatures over the next few weeks will be critical to area fruit farming.
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