Harvesting Through the Heat: Cannabis Yields and Florida’s Hot October
Fort Lauderdale’s October weather often straddles a fine line between mild and tropical—but recent years have seen a warmer-than-average October, occasionally including early fall heatwaves. Typical October highs hover around 84°F, with lows near 74°F, while humidity remains high—making the climate “muggy” more than 24 days per month.
1. October Warmth: A Case of Elevated Heat & Humidity
Although expert historical data focuses on 1980–2016, the pattern persists: October still sees daytime highs into the low 80s°F and muggy conditions carrying over from summer.
On warm October days, overnight lows seldom drop below the mid-70s, meaning cannabis growers contend with tropical heat well into harvest season. When regional early‑fall heatwaves occur, daytime highs can climb into the upper-80s°F—effectively prolonging peak flower production conditions.
2. Outdoor & Greenhouse Yields: Heat, Humidity & The Trade‑Off
Cannabis thrives in warmth, but sustained temperatures above 85°F combined with elevated humidity can stress plants:
- Heat stress & metabolism ramping – High temperatures accelerate photosynthesis and terpene production—but also increase water demand. Without careful irrigation, plants may experience dehydration and nutrient lockout, leading to smaller flowers.
- Humidity invites pathogens—FortLauderdale’s persistent October “muggy” conditions (relative humidity above 65–70%) create an ideal breeding ground for powdery mildew, botrytis, and bud rot—especially in dense outdoor canopies or unventilated greenhouses. This leads to significant yield loss.
- Longer flowering window – Elevated heat can delay maturation or alter cannabinoid profiles, causing harvests to run later into more humid weeks—and increasing risk.
Result: Growers often experience yield declines of 10–30% compared to ideal conditions. While greenhouse setups allow for humidity management, outdoor crops are particularly vulnerable to fungal pressure during a warm, sticky October.
3. Drying & Curing: The Invisible Battle with October’s Atmosphere
Post-harvest, drying and curing cannabis requires a controlled environment—ideally 60–65°F with 45–55% relative humidity. Fort Lauderdale in October, however, offers:
- Ambient highs of 74°F and RH of 70%+, exceeding recommended drying conditions.
- Risk of over‑drying or sluggish processes – If RH is too low, flower dries too fast, risking harsh flavor; if too high, it prolongs drying and increases mold risk.
- Mold/toxin formation – Attempting to dry in October’s natural climate without dehumidification is likely to cause mold and possible mycotoxin issues.
Best practice: Use controlled indoor drying rooms with climate systems. In a greenhouse, add portable dehumidifiers and fans.
4. Mitigation Strategies & Best Practices
| Challenge | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Avoid fungal outbreaks | Improve airflow (crop spacing, pruning), use fungicides, monitor daily leaf moisture |
| Heat/humidity during flowering | Add shade cloths, misting systems, reflective materials; harvest before peak heat |
| Drying in humid climate | Use dehumidifiers, maintain tight humidity control, dry slowly at lower temperatures |
Many regional growers report that careful humidity management during drying can salvage 90–95% of yield and preserve terpene quality—compared to uncontrolled conditions.
Conclusion
Fort Lauderdale’s warmer October—marked by highs in the mid‑80s°F and sticky nights—poses unique challenges for cannabis cultivation. Outdoors, humidity fosters mold and limits yield; in greenhouses and drying rooms, climate control is essential. With proactive environmental management—from harvest timing and canopy care to drying-room dehumidifiers—growers can still secure strong late‑season harvests. Ultimately, success comes down to respecting the balance between October warmth and humidity, using it to the crop’s advantage rather than letting it undermine months of effort.