We are putting out this week’s forecast a day earlier than usual, as the weather models now have a good handle on the predicted Colorado low and how it will impact the Prairies starting Tuesday. Here is what the weather models are predicting.
Weather
Prairie forecast: Effects of Colorado low to bring widespread precipitation
Forecast issued April 16, covering April 16 to 25, 2024
La Niña weather 60 per cent likely to develop from June-August, says US forecaster
A U.S. government weather forecaster expects an about 60 per cent chance of the La Niña weather pattern characterized by unusually cold temperatures in the Pacific Ocean emerging in the second half of 2024.
A climate update for our neck of the woods
You'll want to keep your long underwear handy for the next several winters
I have been tinkering with climate data for about the past 15 years. Thanks to the folks at the Swift Current, Sask. federal ag research station, I now have complete monthly temperature and precipitation data from 1886 to 2023. That adds five years to my last summary, so we will now do the update. Weather […] Read more
Prairie forecast: Spring has sprung but winter might not be done
Forecast issued April 10, 2024, covering April 10 to 17
Spring has definitely sprung across the prairies with only a few locations still having snow cover. Spring is a notorious time for forecasting as warm air builds to the south while cold air still sits to the north. That means this forecast period looks both easy and hard.
Curb risk from moisture stress for less
A Manitoba agronomist offers up some tips for farmers on a budget
With swings between wet and dry extremes in recent years, Prairie farmers have seen more water stress problems in their fields. Not only do they make crops less productive, but they can also crank up the stress levels for farmers. “Historically, our two main risks in crop production long term have been excess moisture and […] Read more
Prairie forecast: Cooler and unsettled west, mild and dry east
Forecast issued April 3, covering April 3 to 10
In a nutshell, it looks like Saskatchewan and Manitoba will see dry weather and nice, warm, spring temperatures. Alberta is going to have to deal with colder air being drawn southwards into the developing storm system over the south-central U.S. Along with the colder air, southern Alberta may deal with some more snow as moisture is pulled northward and then westward on the eastern side of the low.
Western Prairies to be cooler, wetter than eastern half
With spring planting on the Canadian Prairies a few weeks to a month away, the region’s weather outlook is very likely to take somewhat different paths, according to Scott Kehler of the Manitoba-based Weatherlogics.
Prairie forecast: Spring trying to regain control
Forecast issued March 27, covering March 27 to April 3, 2024
The main weather maker will be a trough of low pressure forecasted to develop over the northwestern U.S. today, which will then track eastwards over the next several days.
Research looks into drought’s lingering effects on grasslands
A global project will provide valuable insights as droughts increase, an Alberta scientist says
Glacier FarmMedia — A global study is examining the surprising ways short-term droughts can affect grasslands. “It’s not surprising that less water is going to lead to less plant growth. We’re all very familiar with that,” said Cameron Carlyle, associate professor of rangeland ecology in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences at the […] Read more
Prairies expected to be cooler, wetter this year
A La Niña weather pattern is on its way and may even bring timely spring rains
There’s a good chance western Canadian farmers and ranchers will see rain in April and May to get crops started and grass growing, says a U.S. based weather scientist.
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
