Wind Trajectories for the Canadian Prairies (May 13, 2015)

   Wind trajectories Related to Diamondback Moth (DBM) and Aster Leafhopper Introductions to the Canadian Prairies in 2015

BACKGROUND:  Potential wind events capable of carrying insect pests from source areas in the USA can be identified by following trajectories for air parcels through time. High altitude air masses, originating from southern locations, frequently move northerly to Canadian destinations. Insect pest species such as Diamondback moth and Aster leafhoppers, traditionally unable to overwinter above the 49th parallel, can utilize these air masses in the spring to move north from Mexico and the United States (southern or Pacific northwest). 

Wind trajectory data processing by AAFC-Saskatoon Staff began in April.  Reverse Trajectories track air masses arriving across the prairies back to their point of origin.  Forward Trajectories predict favourable winds expected to arrive across the Canadian Prairies.  

    Updated: May 13, 2015

    1. Reverse trajectories (RT) - During April and early May, reverse trajectories winds were originating over the Pacific Ocean and tracking in a west to east direction across North America.  Since May 8th most are now originating over the Arctic.

    a. Pacific Northwest (PNW) - Nothing to report.

    b. Mexico and southwest USA (SW) - Nothing to report.

    2. Forward trajectories (FT)

    There are a number of forward trajectories from southern USA and Mexico predicted to cross the prairies over the next five days. The Imperial Valley and Mexicali FTs are predicted to cross southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba.  The Santa Maria FT is predicted to cross into central Alberta.