Weather synopsis (Aug 02, 2018; Wk 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).  

Figure 1. Weekly (July 23 - 30, 2018) average temperature (°C).

Figure 2. The 30-day (June 30 – July 30, 2018) average temperature (°C).  

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. 

Figure 3.  Weekly (July 23 - 30, 2018) cumulative precipitation (mm).

Figure 4. 30-day (June 30 – July 30, 2018) cumulative precipitation (mm).

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). 

Figure 4. Highest temperature across the Canadian prairies the past seven days (July 24-30, 2018). Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (31Jul2018).  Access the full map at http://www.agr.gc.ca/DW-GS/current-actuelles.jspx?lang=eng&jsEnabled=true&reset=1529635048320).

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). 

Figure 5. Lowest temperature across the Canadian prairies the past seven days (July 24-30, 2018). Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (31Jul2018).  Access the full map at http://www.agr.gc.ca/DW-GS/current-actuelles.jspx?lang=eng&jsEnabled=true&reset=1529635048320).

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.