Weather synopsis – This week, May 19-25, 2020, temperature and moisture conditions varied significantly across the prairies (Tables 1 and 2). Average 7-day temperatures were much warmer than normal in Manitoba (Fig. 1 and 3) while rainfall amounts were well above average across Alberta (Table 1). Average 30-day (April 26-May 25, 2020) temperatures were slightly warmer than average across most of the prairies (Fig. 2). Temperature anomalies indicated that Saskatchewan was normal to above normal; Alberta and Manitoba 30-day temperature anomalies were normal to below normal (Fig. 3).
 |
| Figure 1. Observed average temperatures across the Canadian prairies for the past seven days (May 19-25, 2020). |
 |
| Figure 2. Observed average temperatures across the Canadian prairies for the past 30 days (April 26-May 25, 2020). |
 |
| Figure 3. Mean temperature difference from Normal across the Canadian prairies the past 30 days (April 26-May 25, 2020).
Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (27May2020).
|
This past week significant rainfall was reported across most of Alberta and western Saskatchewan (Table 1 and Fig. 4). Eastern Saskatchewan has had the lowest 30-day cumulative rainfall amounts (Fig. 5). The recent rain has resulted in above normal rainfall (compared to long term normal) for most of Alberta (Fig. 6). Conditions continue to be dryer than normal across most of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Rainfall amounts for the past 30 days (Fig. 5) have been approximately 125% of normal (Fig. 6).
 |
| Figure 4. Observed cumulative precipitation across the Canadian prairies for the past seven days (May 19-25, 2020). |
 |
| Figure 5. Observed cumulative precipitation across the Canadian prairies for the past 30 days (April 26-May 25, 2020). |
 |
| Figure 6. Percent of average precipitation the past 30 days (April 26-May 25, 2020).
Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (27May2020).
|
The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5 ºC, April 1-May 25, 2020) is below (Fig. 7):
 |
| Figure 7. Growing degree day map (Base 5 °C) observed across the Canadian prairies for the growing season (April 1-May 25, 2020).
Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (28May2020).
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 25, 2020) is below (Fig. 8):
 |
| Figure 8. Growing degree day map (Base 10°C) observed across the Canadian prairies for the growing season (April 1-May 25, 2020).
Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (28May2020).
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 <-2 to >10 °C in the map below (Fig. 9).
 |
| Figure 9. Lowest temperatures (°C) observed across the Canadian prairies the past seven days (May 21-27, 2020).
Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (28May2020).
|
The highest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from <9 to >27 °C in the map below (Fig. 10).
 |
| Figure 10. Highest temperatures (°C) observed across the Canadian prairies the past seven days (May 21-27, 2020).
Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (28May2020).
|
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.