Weather synopsis (May 2, 2019; Wk 04)

Weather synopsis – Temperatures (30 day average) continue to be warmest in southern AB and western SK (Fig. 1). Across the prairies, the monthly average temperature was slightly cooler than normal.  

Figure 1.  Average temperatures across the Canadian prairies (°C) from March 31-April 30, 2019.

Rainfall (30 day accumulation) amounts have been well below average for most of the prairies (Figs. 2 and 3). Rainfall amounts (30 day) across southern SK are normal to above normal. 

Figure 2.  Accumulated 30 day cumulative rainfall (mm) across the Canadian prairies from March 31-April 30, 2019.

Figure 3.  Percent of average precipitation across the Canadian prairies from March 31-April 30, 2019.
Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the 
Government of Canada and was retrieved (01May2019).  
Access the full map at http://www.agr.gc.ca/DW-GS/current-actuelles.jspx?lang=eng&jsEnabled=true

On March 27 and 28 significant snowfall amounts were reported for a number of locations across AB and southern SK (Table 1; Fig. 4). This has resulted in improved soil moisture amounts for the southern  SK (Fig. 5).

Figure 4.  Observed 7-day cumulative rain (mm) across the Canadian prairies (April 23-30, 2019).

Figure 5.  Modeled soil moisture (%) across the Canadian prairies (as of April 30, 2019).