Rain – Some Still Needed, Some Not

Rain – Some Still Needed, Some Not

Rainfall in Manitoba late last week and over the weekend brought much needed moisture to parts of the central and southwest regions. Rainfall amounts in these areas were ½ inch to 2 inches. Heaviest rainfall amounts were reported in the eastern part of the province with as much as 5 ½ inches reported near St. Joseph. Standing water is reported on fields in this area. Rainfall in Saskatchewan was variable (minimal to 4 inches at Medstead) but soil moisture is reported as adequate due to the rains received 10 days ago. However, in many areas rapid crop growth is using up the moisture quickly and more rainfall will be needed shortly. Storm systems in Alberta were showery and did not result in significant precipitation. Much of the province continues to be dry and needs rainfall soon. Very little rainfall in May or June has left parts of southern Alberta (Oyen, Hanna, Coronation, Consort) extremely dry. Some fields of canola have been removed and re-seeded to greenfeed in these areas. The southern Peace region of Alberta did not receive any precipitation and conditions are very dry. The BC Peace region received about ½ inch of rainfall but also continues to be dry. The Northern Peace region received 1 to 1 ½ inches and soil moisture is good.

Maps of current moisture conditions in western Canada from PFRA are available at:
http://www.agr.gc.ca/pfra/drought/prpay09_e.htm
http://www.agr.gc.ca/pfra/drought/prpgs09_e.htm
Additional moisture information for Alberta is available from Alberta Environment at:
http://www.environment.alberta.ca/forecasting/data/precipmaps/weekly.pdf