May brings thunder lightning and hailstones to the valencian vineyards.

 

May Brings Thunder, Lightning and Hailstorms to the Valencian Vineyards.

 

The beginning of May has brought with it a sharp drop in temperature allowing huge storms to develop across the Valencian Community. Hailstones which have taken some time to melt away have once again caused damage to the vineyards of Utiel-Requena where the new buds, particularly around Caudete de Las Fuentes were most affected although both Utiel and Requena themselves have reported damage. Similarly affected are parts of the Camp de Turia and the Vinapolo in Castellon province where table grapes are grown and as much as 10,000 tons could have been lost. The Farmers Union has also reported damage to the Pomegranate and Nispero and citrus crops and urged farmers to seek aid.

Bad weather such as this is not unusual at this time of year but is now set to be followed by winds of up to 90KM an hour for the next 48 hours