Weather synopsis (May 17, 2018; Wk 02)

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 Highest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days across the prairies. 

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.