One More Rain Might Do It

One More Rain Might Do It

Alberta and the BC Peace Region had seasonal daytime temperatures last week which spawned thundershowers in many locations, with rainfall amounts ranging from trace to 2 inches and reports of strong winds and hail. Relatively cool conditions prevailed in the rest of the Prairies with many parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba receiving rain (trace to 1 1/2 inches). Overall, soil moisture is adequate and warm conditions are needed to advance the crop and hasten maturity. Many areas could use one more general rain before harvest to maximize seed fill. The dry pocket continues in the area near Coronation and Hanna Alberta and there are reports of crops being written off by AFSC (provincial crop insurance).

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