Weekly Update (June 1, 2016; Wk 05) - Weather Synopsis

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.