Weather synopsis (May 24, 2018; Wk 03)

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.