Moisture Update - August 1, 2024

Map 1: Since July 24, 2024, a significant rain event brought meaningful moisture to those parts of the province lying north of Red Deer and Lloydminster (Map 1). In this area, most agricultural areas received at least 10 mm of rain, except some areas in the western Peace Region where less than 5 mm was recorded. Some parts of the North West Region and, to a lesser extent, the North East Region, received upwards of 40 mm, which can be considered a 'good soaking rain', and this may potentially be enough to see some annual crops through to ripening - although further moisture is still needed in the weeks ahead. Lands that received amounts in the 10 mm range, would have seen some short-term benefit, but more rain will be needed soon to sustain the current yield potential.

The bulk of last week’s rain brought significant moisture across large parts of the Northern Boreal Forests, of 100 mm or more, with the greatest amounts recorded approximately 200 km northwest of Fort McMurray, at Picadelly Auto at 263 mm, followed by Jean Lake Auto at 189 mm. Most of this fell within a 24-hour period, and local flooding was likely a concern in many remote areas. In sharp contrast, south of Red Deer and Lloydminster, most lands remained very dry, with many stations recording less than 1 mm. At this point, it is uncertain what effect the dry conditions across the south will have on the more advanced crops. Final yields will be telling. Some early seeded annual crops that are at, or near, maturity, may still have quite acceptable yields. In contrast, perennial crops will need more rain and, of course, all lands will need good moisture this fall, in order to build seriously depleted soil moisture reserves ahead of next spring.