Farmers Save Citrus Crops From California Freeze

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- California citrus growers are resting easier after warding off another night of subfreezing temperatures.

California Citrus Mutual president Joel Nelsen says nighttime temperatures in the state's Central Valley citrus growing region fell to an average of 28 degrees Thursday -- even colder than the night before.

Citrus damage can occur when temperatures drop to 28 degrees for four hours or longer.

But growers ran warm water through their groves and used wind machines to draw down slightly warmer air to pump up temperatures three to four degrees.

Nelsen says he does not anticipate damage to the billion-dollar crop, which is still in a young stage and especially vulnerable to cold.

The National Weather Service is predicting warmer temperatures over the weekend.

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