Tuesday 18 June 2019

Weather synopsis (June 20, 2019; Wk 11)

Weather synopsis – Temperatures this week, June 11-17 2019, were similar to last week and near normal (Fig. 1). The warmest temperatures were observed across AB while temperatures were cooler in eastern SK and across MB.  Average 30-day temperatures were warmest across southern MB and SK from Estevan to Saskatoon and west to Kindersley (Fig. 2). Cooler temperatures were reported across the Parkland region, and western areas in AB (Fig. 2). 
Figure 1. Average temperature (°C) across the Canadian prairies the past seven days (June 11-17, 2019).


Figure 2. Average temperature (°C) across the Canadian prairies for the month of May (May 19-June 17, 2019).

Seven-day cumulative rainfall indicated that minimal rain was observed across most of the prairies (Fig. 3). Many locations reported less than 10 mm.  Higher rainfall amounts were reported for eastern SK and western MB. 
Figure 3. Cumulative precipitation observed the past seven days across the Canadian prairies (June 11-17, 2019).

Across the prairies, rainfall amounts for the past 30 days (May 19 – June 17, 2019; Fig. 4) have been approximately 56 % of normal (Fig. 5). Western SK and eastern AB continue to be dry. 
Figure 4. Cumulative precipitation observed the past 30 days across the Canadian prairies (May 19-June 17, 2019).
Figure 5. Percent of Average precipitation across the Canadian prairies for the past 30 days (to June 17, 2019).
Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (18Jun2019).  Access the full map at http://www.agr.gc.ca/DW-GS/current-actuelles.jspx?lang=eng&jsEnabled=true

Growing season rainfall (April 1 – June 17) amounts have been well below average for most of the prairies, particularly in west central SK and eastern regions of AB (Fig. 6). Almost all of the prairies has had growing season rainfall that is 4 percent, or less, than average. Soil moisture values are low across most of the prairies. 
Figure 6. Accumulated precipitation (mm) across the Canadian prairies for the growing season (April 1 to June 17, 2019).
Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (18Jun2019).  Access the full map at http://www.agr.gc.ca/DW-GS/current-actuelles.jspx?lang=eng&jsEnabled=true

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5 ºC, April 1-June 17, 2019) is below (Fig. 7):
Figure 7. Growing degree day (Base 5 ºC) across the Canadian prairies for the growing season (April 1-June 17 2019).
Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (13Jun2019).  Access the full map at http://www.agr.gc.ca/DW-GS/current-actuelles.jspx?lang=eng&jsEnabled=true

The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10 ºC, April 1-June 17, 2019) is below (Fig. 8):
Figure 8. Growing degree day (Base 10 ºC) across the Canadian prairies for the growing season (April 1-June 17, 2019).Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (18Jun2019).  Access the full map at http://www.agr.gc.ca/DW-GS/current-actuelles.jspx?lang=eng&jsEnabled=true

The lowest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from about 8 to -2 °C in the map below (Fig. 9).
Figure 9. Lowest temperatures (°C) observed across the Canadian prairies the past seven days (to June 17, 2019).
Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (18Jun2019).  Access the full map at http://www.agr.gc.ca/DW-GS/current-actuelles.jspx?lang=eng&jsEnabled=true

The highest temperatures (°C) observed the past seven days ranged from about 18 to at least 31 °C in the map below (Fig. 10).
Figure 10. Highest temperatures (°C) observed across the Canadian prairies the past seven days (to June 17, 2019).
Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (18Jun2019).  Access the full map at http://www.agr.gc.ca/DW-GS/current-actuelles.jspx?lang=eng&jsEnabled=true

The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  Growers can bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.