Only time will tell, but we should prepare ourselves. Summertime is when the money is made in the nut business. Kernel development will proceed until harvest. As important, shoot growth developing now will produce next year's crop - the more shoot growth this season, the better your crop potential. Water stress during the kernel development period results in poor kernel percentage and shriveled meats.
Water stress makes walnuts more sensitive to heat damage resulting in dark meats.
If shoot growth stops due to water stress, next year's crop will be reduced too. If low volume irrigation is used, these systems are designed to replace water as used. The trees quickly and efficiently take up N applied now. Monitor your orchards frequently to determine mite presence and need for treatment. Pinch back the other shoots to eliminate their competitive effect on the optimal development of the terminal.