Moisture Update - May 3, 2024

Maps 2, 3 & 4: Over the past 60-days, provincial precipitation relative to long term normal is in the most part near-normal (Map 2). There are still areas that remain dry, such as in the M.D. of Bonnyville and The County of Grande Prairie. Precipitation received over the last 60-days has been concentrated in the mountain and foothill regions, resulting in more than 150 mm in the M.D. of Bighorn, Kananaskis I.D., M.D. of Ranchland, and M.D. of Pincher Creek. The majority of Alberta saw less than 50 mm on average (Map 3). Observing the 180-day normal precipitation map, it is evident that the province is still dealing with moderately low to some of the driest conditions for the past 50 years. It appears that the Central and South Regions of Alberta are currently at near normal (Map 4). We are all anticipating the return of the wet season that will hopefully bring the rest of the province some much needed moisture.

Maps 5 & 6: It is evident in the departure from normal (Map 5), soil moisture is lacking in the Northern areas of the province, as well as the North Eastern and Central Regions, reminding us of the dry conditions from the previous growing season. Currently, soil moisture reserves in the agricultural areas are varied, with the South and Southern Peace Regions at near normal, ranging to high in the M.D. of Big Lakes. The North East and Northern Peace Regions are drier than the rest of the province (Map 6). The majority of the North West and South are in better shape with near normal to high moisture reserves at this time.