Moisture Update - July 17, 2024

Maps 6, 7 & 8: Growing season precipitation accumulations have been variable, with about half of our agricultural lands receiving at least near normal precipitation since April 1, and about 25% of these lands receiving less than 70% of average (Map 2). Unfortunately, this time frame tends to be 'back-loaded' with the majority of this precipitation occurring prior to the onset of July, and as such it does not provide a completely accurate depiction of current moisture conditions across the province.

Following a dry winter, in April most lands south of Red Deer received at least near normal moisture (Map 3), while parts of the southern Peace Region along with a large areas east of Red Deer were dry, along with a few pockets in the North West and North East Regions. May was a relatively wet month, with much of the east-half of the province receiving well above average moisture, with a few small dry pockets remaining west of Edmonton and West of Red Deer (Map 4). June, on average one of the wettest months of the year, saw a drying trend emerge across parts of the North East, through much of the North West, and most of the west-half of the Central Region, along with large areas of the Southern Region (Map 5). As July unfolded, hot weather began to build into the province, with most areas experiencing well below normal moisture since July 1 (Map 6). This is with the exception of a few areas in the Southern Region, the Central Peace Region, and the borderlands between Alberta and Saskatchewan, as far north as Lloydminster. Moisture deficits seen across the North West and western portions of the Central Regions, and northern parts of the North East Region, intensified, with some areas experiencing once in 50-year lows.

Looking out over the past 60-days, from May 19 to July 17, moisture deficits have enveloped most of the North West Region, parts of the North East Region, the west-half of the Central Region, much of the Southern Region (Map 7), along with the southern and northern portions of the Peace Region.  Currently, many crops are in critical stages of development, and heat and lack of moisture are affecting yield potential. July is a very critical month for crops, and most are well developed with moisture demand entering peak levels, rendering crops very susceptible to moisture stress.  According to the current weather forecasts, we still have several days of heat to endure. Hopefully the low pressure system that is currently off the coast of B.C. is able to penetrate the interior, and bring with it a much needed cool down late next week, along with some widespread rains.