probably a high vpd... 45 is definitely low for that temp range. Yeah, that's going over 1.5-1.6 even if you are adjusting -4F for leaf temps. Important to remember VPD is calculated by leaf temps, not atmosphere temps. Leaf surface is cooler due to evaporation occuring.
is this area also more impacted by fans/wind? could contribute.
Plant is healthy throughout. Jus tmake sure it doesn't progressively get darker. As flower really kicks in, the plant doesn't need as much provided. Flower growth does need building blocks, but not at the same rate as vege growth, plus, it's stocked up lots of nutrition in those slightly dark leaves already. Might as well use it. May only need 80-85% of what you provided in vege phase based on overall concentration when a plant is well-fed up until that point, and proportionally less N is a big part of that but not all. I can tell by the lushness this is a well-fed plant context. Exact needs depend on all the choices made from day 1.. it's a cumulative effect. people that need to 'boost' and don't cause toxicities, probably don't feed as much early on. and those that cause significant toxicities lie to themselves that it's a positive effect, lol. Try what you want, but be honest about the results. If you do that, you'll find a happy zone no matter what.
--- eliminating other possibilities
More than one thing can cause this. If you irrigate properly, it's not a root issue, unelss you got some pest larvea chewing on the roots. That is usually quite apparent as you see the adult versions around too. Any gnats? and weird shit crawling on or under leaves? easy to rule out.
too much light will all be located at the top, for one. other leaves are perky at the top, so i don't think this is the case. I don't see light inhibition behaviour, otherwise.