Weather synopsis (May 31, 2018; Wk 04)

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. 

Figure 1. Weekly (May 22 – 29, 2018) average temperature (°C) . 

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

Figure 2.  The 30-day (April 29 – May 29, 2018) average temperature (°C).

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

Figure 3.  Weekly (May 22 - 29, 2018) cumulative precipitation (mm).

Figure 4.  The 30-day (April 29 – May 29, 2018) cumulative precipitation (mm).

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.