Weather synopsis – Though still early, the 2020 growing season has been cooler and dryer than normal. This past week (April 28-May 4, 2020), the average temperature was approximately 2 °C warmer than normal (Fig. 1).
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| Figure 1. Observed average temperatures across the Canadian prairies for the past seven days (April 28-May 4, 2020). |
Conversely, the average 30 day temperature (Fig. 2) was 2 °C less than climate normal values (Fig. 3). April temperature anomalies were greatest in a region extending from Edmonton to Saskatoon to Regina (Fig. 3).
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| Figure 2. Observed average temperatures across the Canadian prairies for the past 30 days (April 5-May 4, 2020). |
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| Figure 3. Mean temperature difference from Normal across the Canadian prairies for the growing season (April 1-28, 2020).
Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (29May2020).
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Seven day cumulative rainfall (April 28-May 4) reveals that minimal rain was observed in central Saskatchewan, southern Alberta and the Peace River region (Fig. 4). Rain (30 day accumulation) amounts have been well below average for most of the prairies (Fig. 5).
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| Figure 4. Observed cumulative precipitation across the Canadian prairies for the past seven days (April 26-May 4, 2020). |
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| Figure 5. Observed cumulative precipitation across the Canadian prairies for the past 30 days (April 5-May 4, 2020). |
The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5 ºC, April 1-May 4, 2020) is below (Fig. 6):
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| Figure 6. Growing degree day map (Base 5 °C) observed across the Canadian prairies for the growing season (April 1-May 4, 2020).
Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (07May2020).
Access the full map at http://www.agr.gc.ca/DW-GS/current-actuelles.jspx?lang=eng&jsEnabled=true&reset=1588297059209 |
The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10 ºC, April 1-May 4, 2020) is below (Fig. 7):
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| Figure 7. Growing degree day map (Base 10°C) observed across the Canadian prairies for the growing season (April 1-May 4, 2020).
Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (07May2020).
Access the full map at http://www.agr.gc.ca/DW-GS/current-actuelles.jspx?lang=eng&jsEnabled=true&reset=1588297059209 |
The lowest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from <-9 to >0 °C in the map below (Fig. 8).
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| Figure 8. Lowest temperatures (°C) observed across the Canadian prairies the past seven days (April 30-May 6, 2020).
Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (07May2020).
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The highest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from <8 to >25 °C in the map below (Fig. 9).
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| Figure 9. Highest temperatures (°C) observed across the Canadian prairies the past seven days (April 30-May 6, 2020).
Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (07May2020).
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The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Growers can bookmark the AAFC Current Conditions Drought Watch Maps for the growing season. More weather data can be access at the AAFC Drought Watch website, Environment Canada's Historical Data website, or your provincial weather network.