Ag Weather Forum

After a late start to spring planting and a wet June, it seems that the weather patterns have finally come around to allow for much improved conditions for the crops as we move into the second week of July. Temperatures have increased, sometimes briefly to high levels, and rainfall has moved into the typical summer pattern of showers of a hit or miss nature.

The best growing conditions appear to be across Alberta and Saskatchewan, with Manitoba still struggling a little from excess wetness leftover from heavy spring and current rains. Even across portions of Alberta and Saskatchewan excess soil moisture is being reported for a few spots, but favorable soil moisture conditions far outweigh the wet areas. Rainfall has been a little less than average across Alberta so far during July, but this is mostly good news after spring's wet conditions.

Crop conditions across Alberta to start July were rated at nearly 90% good to excellent with crop development running ahead of last year by a significant amount. Development is running ahead of the five-year average across central and southern areas while northeast areas are near or even a bit behind schedule.

Saskatchewan's conditions were not quite as good as areas to the west with crop development at 60-68% of normal and as much as 30-40% of the crops still behind schedule a bit. A little more rain was to blame for the slowed progression of crops across Saskatchewan, but all-in-all crops are still being rated at 91% good to excellent for a provincial average.

Manitoba has seen even a little more precipitation than the western neighbors affecting crop conditions and development a little more. While the weather has been warm, locally heavy showers, high humidity, and the lack of wind have increased the disease threat. Local rainfall amounts of 100 to 150 millimetres (4 to 6 inches) were reported through parts of northwest Manitoba during the past 10 days leading to some flooding. Fortunately these amounts are isolated rather than general, with most areas seeing more favorable conditions. Crop ratings and development are not quite as good as those found across Saskatchewan and Alberta.

The weather outlook remains quite favorable during the next week to 10 days, especially for western areas. Seasonably warm weather and a few episodes of scattered showers should allow for good crop advancement across the region. The greatest threat of rainfall of a heavier nature may continue to be across Manitoba, probably the one area that could use more sun and drier conditions. No significant heat is expected across the region, but a day or two here and there could be a little bit on the hot side.

Doug Webster can be reached at doug.webster@telventdtn.com

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