Tag: Environment Canada

The PPMN’s mapping of current data is complete for the 2019 growing season as of Wk 19.  Please refer to the AAFC Drought Watch website, access Environment Canada’s Historical Data website, or your provincial weather network.

Across the prairies, average temperatures were slightly cooler than long term climate normals (Fig. 1).

Significant rainfall amounts were reported across parts of the northern Peace River region, southern AB and SK (Fig. 2). Across the prairies, rainfall amounts for the past 30 days have been lowest across the southern prairies (Fig. 3 and 4). 

Growing season rainfall amounts have been below average across much of Manitoba, southern regions of AB and west-central SK, and in the far north of the Peace River region (Fig. 5). 

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5 ºC, April 1-August 18, 2019) is below (Fig. 6):

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10 ºC, April 1-August 18, 2019) is below (Fig. 7):

The lowest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from at least 10 down to below -2 °C in the map below (Fig. 8).

The highest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from at least 17 up to at least 33 °C in the map below (Fig. 9).

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers can bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

This past week (August 6-12, 2019) prairie temperatures were almost 3 °C cooler than last week (Fig. 1). The warmest temperatures were observed in southern AB and MB and eastern AB. 

Across the prairies, 30 day (July 13- August 12, 2019; Fig. 2) average temperatures were slightly cooler than long term climate normals (Fig. 3). Temperatures were warmest across MB.

Growing season temperatures (April 1-August 12, 2019) continue to be approximately 1 °C cooler than average (Fig. 4).

Significant rainfall amounts were reported across parts of the northern Peace River region, southern AB and SK (Fig. 5). Across the prairies, rainfall amounts for the past 30 days have been lowest across the southern prairies (Fig. 6). 

Growing season rainfall amounts (Fig. 7) have been below average across southern regions of AB and west-central SK (Fig. 8). 

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5 ºC, April 1-August 11, 2019) is below (Fig. 9):

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10 ºC, April 1-August 11, 2019) is below (Fig. 10):

The lowest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from at least 12 down to below 0 °C in the map below (Fig. 11).

The highest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from at least 20 up to at least 32 °C in the map below (Fig. 12).

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers can bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

This past week (July 30- August 5, 2019) temperatures were similar to last week (Fig. 1). The warmest temperatures were observed across most of southern SK and eastern AB. 

Across the prairies, 30-day (July 6- August 5, 2019) average temperatures (Fig. 2) were similar to long term climate normals (Fig. 3). Temperatures were warmest across MB and eastern SK. 

Growing season temperatures (April 1-August 5, 2019) in the Peace River region, central AB and SK have been 1 °C cooler than average while the remainder of the prairies has been warmer than normal (Fig. 4).

Similar to last week, this week significant rainfall amounts were reported the parkland region of  SK and AB (Fig. 5). Across the prairies, rainfall amounts for the past 30 days have been highly variable (Fig. 6). Dry conditions continue across southern AB and western SK. 

Growing season rainfall amounts have been below average across southern regions of AB, and across MB (Fig. 7 and 8). 

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5 ºC, April 1-August 5, 2019) is below (Fig. 9):

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10 ºC, April 1-August 5, 2019) is below (Fig. 10):

The lowest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from at least 11 down to at least 0 °C in the map below (Fig. 11).

The highest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from at least 21 up to at least 34 °C in the map below (Fig. 12).

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers can bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

This past week (July 22-28, 2019) temperatures were approximately 2 °C warmer than last week (Fig. 1). The warmest temperatures were observed in MB and southern AB while temperatures were cooler in western AB and the Peace River region. 

Across the prairies, 30-day (June 28 – July 28, 2019) average temperatures have been approximately 1 °C cooler than normal (Fig. 2). Temperatures were warmest across MB and eastern SK. 

Growing season temperatures (April 1-July 28, 2019; Fig. 3) in AB and SK have been 1 °C cooler than average while central and eastern MB has been approximately 1 °C warmer than average (Fig. 4). 

This past week significant rainfall amounts were reported the parkland region of  SK and AB (Fig. 5). Across the prairies, rainfall amounts for the past 30 days have been highly variable (Fig. 6). 

Dryer conditions continue across southern AB and western SK. Growing season (April 1 – July 21, 2019; Fig. 7) rainfall amounts have been below average across southern regions of AB, and across MB (Fig. 8). 

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5 ºC, April 1-July 21, 2019) is below (Fig. 9):

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10 ºC, April 1-July 21, 2019) is below (Fig. 10):

The lowest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from at least 12 down to at least 0 °C in the map below (Fig. 11).

The highest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from at least 18 up to at least 32 °C in the map below (Fig. 12).

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers can bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

Weather synopsis – Prairie temperatures continue to be cooler than average. This past week (July 15-21, 2019), temperatures were approximately 1 °C cooler than last week (Fig. 1). The warmest temperatures were observed across MB while temperatures were cooler in western SK and AB. 

Across the prairies, 30 day (June 21 – July 21, 2019) average temperatures have been approximately 1 °C cooler than normal (Fig. 3). Temperatures were warmest across MB and eastern SK. Growing season temperatures (April 1-July 21, 2019) have been 1 °C cooler than average; the warmest temperatures were observed across the southern prairies. 

This past week significant rainfall amounts were reported the parkland region of  SK and AB (Fig. 4).  

Across the prairies, rainfall amounts for the past 30 days have been highly variable (Fig. 7). Dryer conditions continue across southern AB. Rainfall was well above average in SK. Growing season (April 1 – July 21, 2019) rainfall amounts have been below average across southern regions of AB, and across MB. 

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5 ºC, April 1-July 21, 2019) is below (Fig. 8):

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10 ºC, April 1-July 21, 2019) is below (Fig. 9):

The lowest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from at least 14 down to at least 2 °C in the map below (Fig. 10).

The highest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from less than 16 up to at least 30 °C in the map below (Fig. 11).

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers can bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

Prairie temperatures continue to be cooler than average. Though temperatures this week were approximately 2 °C warmer than last week (July 8-14, 2019), the seven-day average temperature was 0.5 °C cooler than normal (Fig. 1).  The warmest temperatures were observed across MB while temperatures were cooler in western SK and across AB. 

Across the prairies, 30-day (June 14 – July 14, 2019) average temperatures have been approximately 1 °C cooler than normal (Fig. 2). Average 30-day temperatures were 0 to 2 °C warmer than average across MB and 0 to 2 °C cooler than average in SK and AB. Growing season temperatures (April 1-July 14, 2019) have been 1 °C cooler than average; the warmest temperatures were observed across the southern prairies (Fig. 3). 

This past week significant rainfall amounts were reported MB and southeastern SK while minimal rainfall was reported across southwestern SK and southern AB (Fig. 5). 

Across the prairies, rainfall amounts for the past 30 days have been highly variable (Fig. 6). Dry conditions continue across much of southern AB. Rainfall was well above average in SK.  

Growing season (April 1 – July 14, 2019) rainfall amounts have been below average across southern regions of AB, central SK, and central MB (Fig. 7). 

Based on modeled soil moisture (Fig. 8), recent rains have improved soil moisture values across a large area of SK and MB. Predicted soil moisture continues to be low across large regions of southern and central areas of AB and western SK. 

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5 ºC, April 1-July 14, 2019) is below (Fig. 9):

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10 ºC, April 1-July 14, 2019) is below (Fig. 10):

The lowest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from at least 14 down to at least 2 °C in the map below (Fig. 11).

The highest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from less than 16 up to at least 30 °C in the map below (Fig. 12).

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers can bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season. 

Prairie temperatures continue to be cooler than average. Temperatures this week were approximately 1 °C cooler than last week (Fig. 1).  The warmest temperatures were observed across MB while temperatures were cooler in western SK and across AB. 

Across the prairies, 30-day average temperatures have been approximately 1.5 °C cooler than normal (Fig. 2). Average 30-day temperatures were warmest across southern MB and SK. Cooler temperatures were reported across eastern and northern AB. 

Growing season temperatures (April 1-July 1, 2019) have been 1 °C cooler than average; the warmest temperatures were observed across the southern prairies (Fig. 3). 

This past week, significant rainfall amounts were reported central AB (Fig. 4). Minimal rainfall was reported across MB and southern AB. Across the prairies, rainfall amounts for the past 30 days have been highly variable (Fig. 5). Dry conditions persisted across much of MB and southern AB. Rainfall was well above average in SK.  Growing season rainfall amounts have been below average for most of the prairies, particularly across southern regions of AB and eastern MB (Fig. 6). 

Based on modeled soil moisture (Fig. 7), recent rains have improved soil moisture values across a large area of SK. Predicted soil moisture continues to be low across large regions of eastern MB and southern AB. 

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5 ºC, April 1-July 7, 2019) is below (Fig. 8):

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10 ºC, April 1-July 7, 2019) is below (Fig. 9):

The lowest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from at least 13 to at least 1 °C in the map below (Fig. 10).

The highest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from less than 15 to at least 30 °C in the map below (Fig. 11).

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers can bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

Prairie temperatures continue to be cooler than average. Though temperatures this week were approximately 1 °C warmer than last week, temperatures were cooler than normal (Fig. 1).  The warmest temperatures were observed across MB while temperatures were cooler in western SK and across AB.

Across the prairies, 30-day average temperatures were approximately 1 °C cooler than normal (Fig. 2). Average 30-day temperatures were warmest across southern MB and SK. Cooler temperatures were reported across eastern and northern AB. The mean temperature differences from normal (June 1 – 30, 2019) were zero to two degrees Celsius cooler than for AB and  western SK while temperatures in eastern SK and MB have been zero to two degrees Celsius warmer than normal (Fig. 3). 

Growing season temperatures (April 1-July 1, 2019) have been warmest across the southern prairies. Across the prairies, the average growing season temperature has been 1.2 °C below normal (Fig. 4).

This past week significant rainfall amounts were reported for southern SK and the Peace River region. Minimal rainfall was reported across MB and southern AB (Fig. 5). 

Across the prairies, rainfall amounts for the past 30 days have been near normal (Fig. 6). The Edmonton AB region has been the wettest. Growing season rainfall amounts have been below average for most of the prairies, particularly across southern regions of AB and eastern MB (Fig. 7). 

Based on modelled soil moisture, recent rains have improved soil moisture values across a large area of SK. Predicted soil moisture continues to be low across large regions of eastern MB and southern AB. 

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5 ºC, April 1-June 24, 2019) is below (Fig. 9):

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10 ºC, April 1-June 24, 2019) is below (Fig. 10):

The lowest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from at least 13 to at least 0 °C in the map below (Fig. 11).

The highest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from less than 14 to at least 30 °C in the map below (Fig. 12).

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers can bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

Temperatures this week, June 11-17 2019, were similar to last week and near normal (Fig. 1). The warmest temperatures were observed across AB while temperatures were cooler in eastern SK and across MB.  Average 30-day temperatures were warmest across southern MB and SK from Estevan to Saskatoon and west to Kindersley (Fig. 2). Cooler temperatures were reported across the Parkland region, and western areas in AB (Fig. 2). 

Seven-day cumulative rainfall indicated that minimal rain was observed across most of the prairies (Fig. 3). Many locations reported less than 10 mm.  Higher rainfall amounts were reported for eastern SK and western MB. 

Across the prairies, rainfall amounts for the past 30 days (May 19 – June 17, 2019; Fig. 4) have been approximately 56 % of normal (Fig. 5). Western SK and eastern AB continue to be dry. 

Growing season rainfall (April 1 – June 17) amounts have been well below average for most of the prairies, particularly in west central SK and eastern regions of AB (Fig. 6). Almost all of the prairies has had growing season rainfall that is 4 percent, or less, than average. Soil moisture values are low across most of the prairies. 

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5 ºC, April 1-June 17, 2019) is below (Fig. 7):

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10 ºC, April 1-June 17, 2019) is below (Fig. 8):

The lowest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from about 8 to -2 °C in the map below (Fig. 9).

The highest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from about 18 to at least 31 °C in the map below (Fig. 10).

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers can bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

This week there was an issue with the incoming environmental data but it was thankfully detected by David Giffen (AAFC-Saskatoon).  

A: TEMPERATURES – Temperatures continued to be cooler than average. This past week temperatures were coolest in AB and warmest in MB (Fig. 1). Average temperatures for May 12 to June 11, 2019, were approximately 1°C cooler than average (Fig. 2).   

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5 ºC, April 1-June 10, 2019) is below (Fig. 4):

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10 ºC, April 1-June 10, 2019) is below (Fig. 5):

The lowest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days are reflected in the map below (Fig. 6).

The highest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days are reflected in the map below (Fig. 7).

B: PRECIPITATION – During the past seven days, rainfall in central regions of AB and southern MB was reported to be greater than 15 mm (Fig. 8). Little or no rain was reported across central areas of SK. Rainfall totals for May 12-June 11 indicated that rainfall amounts were greatest in AB and MB (Fig. 9) while conditions continue to be very dry across most of SK (Fig. 10). 

C: SOIL MOISTURE – Soil moisture values are low across most of the prairies (Fig. 10).

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers can bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

Weather synopsis – The prairie wide average temperature for May was 2 °C cooler than average (Fig. 1) while rainfall was approximately 50% of average (Fig. 2). The coolest conditions have occurred across southern MB and SK. 

This week (May 29 – June 4, 2019) weather conditions were warm and dry. Across the prairies, temperatures were 3-4 °C warmer than last week and 1-2 °C warmer than average (Fig. 3). The warmest temperatures were observed across a region that extended from Medicine Hat AB to Saskatoon SK and southwestern MB.  

Average 30-day temperatures were warmest in AB and coolest in eastern SK and MB (Fig. 4). Northern locations within the Peace River region were warmer than average. 

Seven day cumulative rainfall indicated that minimal rain was observed across most of the prairies (Fig. 5). Most locations reported less than 5 mm.  Higher rainfall amounts were reported in southwestern AB, southeastern SK and an area near Dauphin MB. 

Across the prairies, rainfall amounts for the past 30 days (May 5 – June 4, 2019) were approximately 48 % of normal (Fig. 7 and 8). Most of the prairies reported rainfall amounts less than 40 % of normal. 

Growing season rainfall (April 1 – June 4) amounts have been well below average for most of the prairies, particularly in west central SK and eastern regions of AB (Fig. 7). Almost all of the prairies has had growing season rainfall that is 85 percent, or less, than average. 

Soil moisture values are low across most of the prairies (Fig. 9). 

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5 ºC, April 1-June 3, 2019) is below (Fig. 10):

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10 ºC, April 1-June 3, 2019) is below (Fig. 11):

The lowest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from 6 to at least -5 °C in the map below (Fig. 12).

The highest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from 14 to at least 32 °C in the map below (Fig. 14).

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers can bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

Weather synopsis – This week (May 21-28, 2019) cool, dry conditions continued to occur across the prairies. Though temperatures are warming up, early growing season daily average temperatures continue to be cooler than normal. 

Throughout this past week, the average temperature was approximately 1 °C cooler than normal (Fig. 1).  Compared to last week, the prairie-wide average daily temperature was 3 °C warmer. The warmest temperatures were observed across the Parkland region of the prairies.

The average 30-day temperatures were approximately 3 °C cooler than average (Fig. 2). 

Seven-day cumulative rainfall (Fig. 3) indicated that minimal rain was observed across large areas of SK. Most locations reported less than 5 mm.  Wetter conditions were reported in a corridor between Lethbridge and Calgary AB. Most of MB and southeast SK had rainfall amounts that were greater than 10 mm (Fig. 3). 

Across the prairies, rainfall amounts for the past 30 days (April 28-May 28, 2019) have been approximately 50% of normal (Fig. 6).  The 30-day rainfall totals have improved in MB and southwest SK.  

Growing season rainfall (April 1 – May 28) amounts have been well below average for most of the prairies, particularly in west central SK and eastern regions of AB (Fig. 6). 

Almost all of the prairies has had growing season rainfall amounting to 85 %, or less, than average. 

Soil moisture values are low across most of the prairies. 

The two week forecast is not predicting significant rainfall for the prairies. The Agroclimate National Risk Report for May 7 to May 22, 2019 reports that there is less than a 30% chance of rainfall amounting to >25 mm (May 29-June 4, 2019). The report states that “No rain is expected in the week ahead in areas currently experiencing drought conditions such as southwestern Saskatchewan”.

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5 ºC, April 1-May 27, 2019) is below (Fig. 9):

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10 ºC, April 1-May 15, 2019) is below (Fig. 10):

The lowest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days range from -6 to 6 °C in the map below (Fig. 11).

The highest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days range from 14 to at least 32 °C in the map below (Fig. 12).

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers can bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

Weather synopsis – This past week (May 8-15, 2019) the average temperature was approximately 1 °C cooler than normal (Fig. 1). The warmest temperatures were observed in AB and with conditions much cooler in SK and MB.  

This week, May 15-21, 2019, cool, dry conditions continued to occur across the prairies. Though temperatures are warming up, early growing season daily average temperatures continue to be cooler than normal. This past week the average temperature was approximately 2.5 °C cooler than normal (Fig. 2). The warmest temperatures were observed in central AB, southeast SK and southwest MB (Fig. 2).  

Average 30 day temperatures were approximately 3 °C cooler than average (Fig. 3). Across the prairies, average temperatures (April 23 – May 20, 2019)  were 2 to -3 °C below normal with central SK having temperatures that were 3 to 4 °C cooler than average with well below average temperatures occurring in a large area of central SK. 

This week (May 15-21, 2019), the seven-day cumulative rainfall indicated that minimal rain was observed across large areas of SK (Fig. 4). Most locations reported less than 5 mm.  Wetter conditions were reported in a corridor between Lethbridge and Calgary AB. 

Across the prairies, rainfall amounts for the past 30 days (April 21-May 21, 2019) have been approximately 50% of normal (Fig. 5).  Rainfall in southwest SK has increased.  Between Brandon MB and Lloydminster SK 30-day rainfall amounts are well below average (Fig. 5). Growing season rainfall (April 1 – May 21) amounts have been well below average for most of the prairies, particularly in west central SK and eastern regions of AB (Fig. 6).  For this growing season, almost all of the prairies have received rainfall that is 85 percent or less than average (Fig. 7).

Soil moisture values are low across most of the prairies. Near normal soil moisture is predicted to occur in an area extending from Swift Current, west to Lethbridge and north to Edmonton and Grande Prairie (Fig. 8).

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5 ºC, April 1-May 20, 2019) is below (Fig. 9):

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10 ºC, April 1-May 15, 2019) is below (Fig. 10):

The lowest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days range from -10 to 2 °C in the map below (Fig. 11).

The highest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days range from -10 to 2 °C in the map below (Fig. 12).

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers may wish to bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

Weather synopsis – This past week (May 8-15, 2019) the average temperature was approximately 1 °C cooler than normal (Fig. 1). The warmest temperatures were observed in AB and with conditions much cooler in SK and MB.  

Average 30-day temperatures were approximately 2 °C cooler than average (Fig. 2). Across the prairies, average temperatures (April 9-May 6)  were 0 to -3 °C below normal (Fig. 3). 

Seven-day cumulative rainfall indicated that minimal rain was observed across large areas in AB and MB. Most locations reported less than 5mm (Fig. 4). 

Across the prairies, rainfall amounts for the past 30 days (April 15-May 15, 2019) have been approximately 50% of normal (Fig. 5).  Growing season rainfall amounts have been well below average for most of the prairies. Only two areas, southern SK and the Peace River region were the only two areas that had normal to above normal rainfall (Fig. 6). 

Soil moisture values are low across most of the prairies (Fig. 7). 

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5 ºC, April 1-May 15, 2019) is below (Fig. 8):

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10 ºC, April 1-May 15, 2019) is below (Fig. 9):

The lowest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days range from -10 to 2 °C in the map below (Fig. 10).

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers may wish to bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

Weather synopsis – Daily average temperatures continue to be cooler than normal for the early growing season. This past week (April 30-May 7, 2019), the average temperature (0.5 °C) was approximately 6 °C cooler than normal (Fig. 1). The warmest temperatures were observed in southern AB and southeastern SK (Fig. 1).  Average 30-day temperatures were well below normal (Fig. 3). Across the prairies, average temperatures (April 9-May 6)  was 0 to -3 °C below normal (Fig. 2). 

Seven day cumulative rainfall shows that minimal rain was observed across large areas in MB and SK (Fig. 4). Rainfall (30 day accumulation) amounts (Fig. 5) have been well below average for most of the prairies (66% of average) (Fig. 6). Rainfall amounts across southern SK are normal to above normal (Fig. 6). 

Soil moisture values are low across large generally low.

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5 ºC, March 1 – June 18, 2017) is below:

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10 ºC, March 1 – June 18, 2017) is below:

Weather synopsis – Temperatures (30 day average) continue to be warmest in southern AB and western SK (Fig. 1). Across the prairies, the monthly average temperature was slightly cooler than normal.  

Rainfall (30 day accumulation) amounts have been well below average for most of the prairies (Figs. 2 and 3). Rainfall amounts (30 day) across southern SK are normal to above normal. 

On March 27 and 28 significant snowfall amounts were reported for a number of locations across AB and southern SK (Table 1; Fig. 4). This has resulted in improved soil moisture amounts for the southern  SK (Fig. 5).

Weather synopsis – Temperatures (30 day average) have been warmest in southern AB and western SK. 

Rainfall (30 day accumulation) amounts have been well below average for most of the prairies. 

The soil moisture model indicates that soil moisture levels are low across most of southern and central AB and western SK. 

Weather synopsis – We close out the Weekly Update for the growing season by looking back at precipitation thanks to the AAFC Drought Watch folks.

This is a map of growing season precipitation (% of normal; Fig. 1):

The following map illustrates precipitation (% of normal) for the last 60 days (Fig. 2):

Whereas this is the precipitation (% of normal) for the past 30 days (Fig. 3):

Here is the accumulated precipitation the past 7 days (Fig. 4)!

The map below reflects the Highest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days (August 16-22, 2018) across the prairies and is available from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Fig. 5). 

 The map below reflects the Highest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days (August 16-22, 2018) across the prairies and is available from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Fig. 6). 

Normally we share growing degree day maps calculated for the growing season including  March 1, 2018, to the present.  This week we instead reference the AAFC Drought Watch maps.  Below is the growing degree day map (GDD: Base 10ºC for APRIL 1 – August 20, 2018) and is available from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Fig. 7):

Below is the growing degree day map (GDD: Base 5ºC for APRIL 1 – August 20, 2018) and is available from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Fig. 8):

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers can bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps to continue to follow weather conditions during harvest and beyond.

Weather synopsis – This week, weather data is unavailable due to technical difficulties so we are unable to generate several maps.  Please check webpages posted by Environment Canada for weather-related information.

Review the Weather synopsis for Week 13.

Weather synopsis – This past week (July 23 – 30, 2018) the average temperature (14.8 °C) was marginally cooler than long term average values (Fig. 1). The warmest weekly temperatures occurred across southern and central Alberta and eastern Manitoba. The 30-day (June 30 – July 30) average temperature (15.7 °C) was similar to the long term average (Fig. 2).  

Weekly total precipitation was below average and 30-day total precipitation was marginally above average (Figs. 3 and 4).  The wettest region (30-day cumulative precipitation) was across eastern areas in Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba while central Saskatchewan and most of Alberta continue to be dry. Growing season precipitation is below average across large areas of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Average precipitation has been reported across the Peace River region, eastern Saskatchewan, and the Parkland region. 

The map below reflects the Highest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days (July 24-30, 2018) across the prairies and is available from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Fig. 4). 

The map below reflects the Highest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days (July 24-30, 2018) across the prairies and is available from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Fig. 5). 

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10ºC, March 1 – July 29, 2018) is below:

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5ºC, March 1 – July 29, 2018) is below:

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers may wish to bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

Weather synopsis – This past week (July 16 – 23, 2018) the average temperature (16.3 °C) was marginally warmer than long term average values (Fig. 1). The warmest weekly temperatures occurred across east-central AB and west-central/southern SK. The 30-day (June 23 – July 23) average temperature (15.8 °C) was similar to the long term average.  

Weekly and 30-day total precipitation was above average (Figs. 2 and 3).  The wettest region (30 day cumulative precipitation) was across eastern areas in SK and southern MB while central SK and most of AB continue to be dry.

The map below reflects the Highest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days (July 17-23, 2018) across the prairies and is available from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Fig. 4). 

The map below reflects the Highest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days (July 17-23, 2018) across the prairies and is available from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Fig. 5). 

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10ºC, March 1 – July 22, 2018) is below:

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5ºC, March 1 – July 22, 2018) is below:

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers may wish to bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

Weather synopsis – This past week (July 9 – 16, 2018), the average temperature (16.7 °C) was almost 2 °C warmer than last week and marginally warmer than long term average values (Fig. 1). Once again, the warmest weekly temperatures occurred across MB. The 30-day (June 16 – July 16, 2018) average temperature (15.8 °C) was just slightly above long term average temperatures.  

Weekly and 30-day total precipitation was less than average (Figs. 2 and 3).  The wettest region (30-day cumulative precipitation) was across eastern areas in Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba while western Saskatchewan and most of Alberta continue to be dry.

The map below reflects the Highest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days (July 11-17, 2018) across the prairies and is available from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Fig. 4). 

The map below reflects the Lowest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days (July 11-17, 2018) across the prairies and is available from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Fig. 5).

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10ºC, March 1 – July 15, 2018) is below:

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5ºC, March 1 – July 15, 2018) is below:

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers may wish to bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

Weather synopsis – This week staff were again surveying so we direct you to the AAFC Drought Watch maps in addition to the following updates.

This past week (July 2 – 9, 2018), temperatures across the prairies were warmer than long term average values (Fig. 1). The warmest weekly temperatures continue to occur across Manitoba. Compared to last week, daily average temperatures were warmer across southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. The 30-day (June 9  – July 9, 2018) average temperature was similar to the long term average. 

Weekly and 30-day total precipitation was slightly above average (Figs. 2 and 3).  Weekly accumulations were generally less than 20 mm with a few areas (northeast Saskatchewan, northwest Manitoba and the south of the Peace River region) reporting greater than 40 mm. The wettest (30-day) regions were across eastern areas in Saskatchewan, and isolated areas in southern Manitoba and the south of the Peace River region. A large region across Saskatchewan and Alberta continues to be dry.

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10ºC, March 1 – July 8, 2018) is below:

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5ºC, March 1 – July 9, 2018) is available below:

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers may wish to bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

Weather synopsis – This week staff have been busy surveying so we direct you to the AAFC Drought Watch maps in addition to the following updates.

The average temperature (14.6 °C) this past week (June 25 – July 2, 2018) was almost 2 °C warmer than long term average values (Fig. 1). 

Once again, the warmest weekly temperatures occurred across MB. The 30-day (June 2-July 2) average temperature (14.3 °C) was approximately 0.5 °C warmer than long term average (Fig. 2). Average June temperatures were above normal across the entire prairie region (Fig. 3). 

Weekly and 30-day total precipitation was slightly above average (Figs. 4 and 5). The wettest (30-day) region was across eastern areas in SK and southern MB, while western SK and most of AB continue to be dry.

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10ºC, March 1 – July 2, 2018) is below:

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5ºC, March 1 – July 2, 2018) is below:

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers may wish to bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

Weather synopsis – This week staff have been busy at field events and surveying so we direct you to the AAFC Drought Watch maps.  

Accumulated precipitation for the past seven days (June 27, 2018) is available from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Fig. 1).

Accumulated precipitation for the growing season (April 01-June 27, 2018) is available from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Fig. 2).

The map below reflects the Highest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days (June 27, 2018) across the prairies and is available from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Fig. 3). 

The map below reflects the Lowest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days (June 21-27, 2018) across the prairies and is available from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Fig. 4).

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10ºC, March 1 – June 24, 2018) is below:

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5ºC, March 1 – June 24, 2018) is below:

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers may wish to bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

Weather synopsis – This past week (June 11 – 18, 2018), the average temperature (12.4 °C) was 1 °C cooler than long term average values (Fig. 1). The warmest weekly temperatures occurred across Manitoba. The 30-day (May 19-June 18, 2018) average temperature (13.1 °C) was approximately 1 °C warmer than long term average (Fig. 2).  

Weekly and 30-day total precipitation was above average (Figs. 3 and 4).  The wettest (30-day) region was across eastern areas in SK and western MB, while western Saskatchewan and most of Alberta are dry.

Accumulated precipitation for the growing season (April 01-June 19, 2018) is available from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Fig. 5).

The map below reflects the Highest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days (June 5-11, 2018) across the prairies and is available from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Fig. 6). 

The map below reflects the Lowest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days (June 5-11, 2018) across the prairies and is available from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Fig. 7).

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10ºC, March 1 – June 18, 2018) is below:

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5ºC, March 1 – June 18, 2018) is below:

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers may wish to bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

Weather synopsis – This past week (June 4  – 11, 2018), the average temperature (13.3 °C) was very similar to long term average (Fig. 1).  The warmest weekly temperatures occurred across MB. The 30-day (May 12 – June 11) average temperature (12.9 °C) was approximately 2 °C warmer than long term average (Fig. 2).  

Weekly and 30-day total precipitation was above average. The wettest region was across eastern areas in SK (Figs. 3 and 4). 

Accumulated precipitation for the growing season (April 01-June 11, 2018) is shown below.

The map below reflects the Highest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days (June 5-11, 2018) across the prairies. 

The map below reflects the Lowest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days (June 5-11, 2018) across the prairies. 

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10ºC, March 1 – June 10, 2018) is below:

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5ºC, March 1 – June 10, 2018) is below:

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers may wish to bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

Weather synopsis – This past week (May 28-June 4, 2018), the average temperature was very similar to the long term normal (Fig. 1).  The warmest weekly temperatures occurred across Manitoba. The 30-day average temperature (April 29 – May 29) was approximately 2 °C warmer than long term average (Fig. 2).  Across the prairies, the average temperature for May was up to 5 °C warmer than average. 

Weekly precipitation was above average and 30-day total rainfall is approximately 20% less than average (Figs. 3 and 4). 

Accumulated precipitation for the growing season (April 01-June 4, 2018) is shown below.

The map below reflects the Highest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days (May 29-June 4, 2018) across the prairies. 

The map below reflects the Lowest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days (May 29-June 4, 2018) across the prairies. 

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10ºC, March 1 – June 3, 2018) is below:

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5ºC, March 1 – June 3, 2018) is below:

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers may wish to bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

Weather synopsis – Weather conditions continue to be warmer and dryer than average across most of the prairies. This past week, (May 22 – 29, 2018) the average temperature was approximately 4 °C warmer than long term average (Fig. 1).  The warmest weekly temperatures occurred across MB. 

The 30-day average temperature (April 29 – May 29) was approximately 2 °C warmer than long term average (Fig. 2).  

Weekly precipitation was below average and 30-day total rainfall was approximately 50% less than average (Figs. 3 and 4). 

Accumulated precipitation for the growing season (April 01-May 30, 2018) is shown below.

The map below reflects the Highest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days (May 24-30, 2018) across the prairies. 

The map below reflects the Lowest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days (May 24-30, 2018) across the prairies – it got a bit chilly for our newly seeded crops! 

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10ºC, March 1 – May 30, 2018) is below:

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5ºC, March 1 – May 30, 2018) is below:

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers may wish to bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

Weather synopsis – Across most of the prairies, weather conditions continue to be warmer and dryer than average. This past week (May 14-21, 2018), the average temperature was approximately 2 °C warmer than long-term average temperatures (Fig. 1).  The warmest weekly temperatures occurred across AB and west-central Saskatchewan. The 30-day average temperature (April 21-May 21) was 1-2 °C warmer than  long term average temperatures with the warmest conditions occurring the western half of the prairies (Fig. 2). 

Figure 1. Weekly (May 14 – May 21, 2018) average temperature (°C) .

Figure 2. 30-day (April 21 – May 21, 2018) average temperature (°C).

Weekly precipitation was well below average and 30 day total rainfall is approximately 50% less than average (Figs. 3 and 4). Manitoba continues to be very dry, though this week southeast Manitoba did receive rainfall amounts that were greater than 30 mm. 

Figure 3.  Weekly (May 14 – 21, 2018) cumulative precipitation (mm).

Figure 4. 30 day  (April 21 – May 21, 2018) cumulative precipitation (mm).

The map below reflects the Highest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days (May 17-23, 2018) across the prairies. 

The map below reflects the Lowest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days (May 17-23, 2018) across the prairies. 

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10ºC, March 1 – May 21, 2018) is below:

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5ºC, March 1 – May 21, 2018) is below:

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers may wish to bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

Weather synopsis – This past week (May 6-13), the average temperature was approximately 2 °C cooler than long term average (Fig. 1).  The warmest weekly temperatures occurred across Alberta. The 30-day average temperature (April 13-May 13) was very similar to long term average temperatures with the warmest conditions occurring across Alberta (Fig. 2).  

Figure 1. Average temperatures across the Canadian prairies these past seven days (May 6-13, 2018).

Figure 2. Average temperatures across the Canadian prairies this past month (April 13-May 13, 2018).

Weekly precipitation was well below average and 30-day total rainfall is approximately 50% less than average (Figs. 3 and 4). The lowest precipitation amounts have occurred across eastern Saskatchewan and most of Manitoba.

Figure 3. Cumulative precipitation (mm) these past seven days (May 6-13, 2018).

Figure 4. Cumulative precipitation (mm) this past month (April 13-May 13, 2018).

The map below reflects the Lowest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days across the prairies.

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10ºC, March 1 – May 13, 2018) is below:

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5ºC, March 1 – May 13, 2018) is below:

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers may wish to bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

Weather synopsis – We begin with a synopsis of the weather situation starting with the map below reflecting the Accumulated Precipitation received during the winter (Nov 1, 2017 to Mar 31, 2018) across the prairies (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Accumulated precipitation across the Canadian prairies during the winter (November 1, 2017-March 31, 2018.

Prairie meteorological conditions continue to be cooler and dryer than average. This past week the average temperature was about 1 °C cooler than normal (Fig. 2).  The 30-day average temperature (April 6-May 6) was 4 °C cooler than normal (Figs. 3 and 4).  Weekly and 30 day total rainfall is approximately 50% less than average (Figs. 5 and 6).

Figure 2. Average temperatures across the Canadian prairies these past seven days (Apr 29-May 6, 2018).

Figure 3. Average temperatures across the Canadian prairies these past 30 days (Apr 6-May 6, 2018).

Figure 4. Monthly mean temperature differences across the Canadian prairies for the month of April 2018.

Figure 5 Accumulated precipitation across the Canadian prairies these past seven days (Apr 29-May 6, 2018).

Figure 6. Accumulated precipitation across the Canadian prairies these past 30 days (Apr 6-May 6, 2018).

The map below reflects the Lowest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days across the prairies.

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10ºC, March 1 – May 6, 2018) is below:

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5ºC, March 1 – May 6, 2018) is below:

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers may wish to bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.

Weather synopsis – This past week our average temperatures were cooler than last week, and 2 – 3°C cooler than long term averages for mid-June (Fig. 1).  The second map presents the 30-day average temperature (Fig. 2).  

Figure 1. Average temperature across the Canadian prairies from June 4-11, 2017.

Figure 2. Average temperature across the Canadian prairies from May 19-June 19, 2017.

Temperature – The seven-day accumulated precipitation was greater than 15 mm with southeast Saskatchewan and southwest Manitoba reporting amounts in excess of 40 mm (Fig. 3).  

Figure 3. Accumulated precipitation across the Canadian prairies from June 11-18, 2017.

Compared to last week, the 30-day rainfall amounts are similar to long term average values for southern Manitoba, southeast Saskatchewan and southwest Alberta (Fig. 4). A large region in south and central Saskatchewan is reporting well below normal precipitation.

Figure 4. Percent of average precipitation from May 20-June 18, 2017.

The following is the accumulated precipitation for the growing season up to June 18, 2017.

The updated growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5ºC, March 1 – June 18, 2017) is below:

While the growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10ºC, March 1 – June 18, 2017) is below:

Staff are busy surveying so some maps are not available this week.

The updated growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5ºC, March 1 – July 3, 2016) is below:

While the growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10ºC, March 1 – July 3, 2016) is below:

Across the prairies, weather conditions were warmer and wetter than long term average values for the period of June 6-13, 2016. The average temperature was 15°C and was approximately 2°C warmer than the previous week. 

This week’s rainfall was generally greater than long term average amounts. For the 30 day period of May 14-June 13,  conditions were cooler in Alberta compared to Saskatchewan and Manitoba.  The area extending from Swift Current to Regina and north to Saskatoon continues to be the warmest/driest region of the prairies. 

The map below reflects the Accumulated Precipitation for the Growing Season so far for the prairie provinces (i.e., April 1-June 14, 2016):

The map below reflects the Accumulated Precipitation the Past 7 Days for the prairie provinces (i.e., June 8-14, 2016):

Compared to last week, overnight temperatures were warmer the past 7 days.  The map below shows the Lowest Temperatures the Past 7 Days (June 8-14, 2016) across the prairies:

The map below shows the Highest Temperatures the Past 7 Days (June 8-14, 2016):

The updated growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5ºC, March 1 – June 12, 2016) is below:

While the growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10ºC, March 1 – June 12, 2015) is below:

Across the prairies, meteorological conditions were similar to long term average values for the period of May 22-29, 2016. The average temperature was 11.2 °C and was similar to the previous seven days. For the second week in a row temperatures were warmer in Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan than western Saskatchewan and Alberta. 

This week’s rainfall was generally greater than long term average amounts. The region northeast of Edmonton and locations within southeastern Manitoba reported significant rainfall amounts while lower amounts were reported for southern Alberta and most of Saskatchewan.  The map below shows the Accumulated Precipitation the past 7 days (i.e., May 22-29, 2016): 

The map below reflects the Accumulated Precipitation for the Growing Season so far for the prairie provinces (i.e., April 1-May 30, 2016):

Compared to last week, soil moisture levels were predicted improve across most of the prairies:

The west was cooler compared to the east in terms of overnight temperatures over the last week.  The map below shows the Lowest Temperatures the Past 7 Days (May 24-30, 2016) across the prairies:

The map below shows the Highest Temperatures the Past 7 Days (May 24-30, 2016):

The updated growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5ºC, March 1 – May 29, 2016) is below:

While the growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10ºC, March 1 – May 29, 2015) is below:

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers may wish to bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.