On November 12, farmers in Gangdi Village, Houjiazhuang Township, Neiqiu County, Hebei Province, were busy harvesting apples in their orchards. Behind this bountiful scene lies the continuous support of the Neiqiu County Meteorological Bureau's "targeted" weather services.
Apple cultivation has a long growth cycle, requiring protection against low-temperature frost during the flowering stage, ample sunlight and optimal humidity during fruit expansion, and avoidance of prolonged rain during the coloring and ripening phase. Extreme weather conditions such as drought and heavy rain in the critical summer growth period can significantly impact yield and quality.
To address these challenges, the Neiqiu County Meteorological Bureau proactively aligned its services with the needs of the apple industry, focusing on the entire agricultural production cycle. They established a comprehensive weather service chain encompassing "forecasting—guidance—implementation." Meteorological staff frequently conducted field surveys in orchards, precisely identifying key growth stages, and regularly compiled service materials such as the *Apple Meteorological Monthly Report* and *Apple Flowering Prediction*, delivering them promptly to farmers. The bureau also created a WeChat group for modern agricultural stakeholders, providing daily real-time weather forecasts, warnings, and farming advice, enabling farmers to access "cultivation guides" anytime, anywhere.
From June to July this year, Neiqiu County experienced 28 consecutive days of drought, with precipitation significantly lower than usual, posing challenges for apple expansion. Guided by specialized meteorological reports, farmers applied fertilizers ahead of rainfall and conducted timely irrigation to stabilize soil moisture, successfully mitigating the drought's impact. During the apple flowering season, the bureau conducted phenological observations, established critical low-temperature frost indicators, and issued early warnings, allowing farmers to take protective measures and effectively avoid frost-related losses.
To meet the apple industry's demand for precision, the Neiqiu County Meteorological Bureau installed a microclimate observation station in Gangdi Village's apple orchards. This station automatically monitors temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and other meteorological factors 24/7, providing data-driven support for scientific cultivation. Based on weather conditions, experts also offered tailored recommendations—adjusting water-fertilizer ratios during sunny periods to enhance sugar accumulation and improving orchard ventilation during periods of significant day-night temperature variations to ensure uniform fruit coloring. These professional measures not only boosted yields but also significantly improved sweetness and appearance.