Forecast: Cooler with a chance of some rain

Issued June 11, 2018: Covering the period from June 13 to 20, 2018

Last week’s forecast was a little hit and miss. We didn’t quite see pure sunny skies on Thursday or Friday, but we did see a few showers move through on Friday. Saturday, for most regions, turned out to be a bit of a bust as a moist easterly flow developed that gave most regions clouds,

Precipitation can be hard to predict, but we're likely headed for a warmer-than-average summer.

Warm May, cool spring, warm summer

Environment Canada sees above-average temperatures and near-average precipitation ahead

Another season has come and gone across the Prairies and the main weather question on most people’s minds is, “Just what type of weather will we see this summer?” I’ve always said, if someone could be 75 per cent or more accurate with long-range forecasts, he or she would be rich. Most of the companies


Crops get a lift from warm temperatures, seeding virtually complete

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report for June 11

Seeding progress is estimated as 99 per cent complete across Manitoba. Seeding is complete in the Central, Eastern, and Interlake regions, with small amounts remaining in the Southwest and Northwest regions. Precipitation was limited in most parts of the province, with the exception being parts of Southwest and Northwest. Most areas could use additional precipitation.

Forecast: Warm summer weather moves back in

Issued June 4, 2018: Covering the period from June 6 to 13, 2018

The early part of last week’s forecast played out pretty close to what the weather models predicted, but the second half kind of fell apart as a strong upper low took control of the weather over the weekend, bringing clouds, rain and cool temperatures. High pressure did build back in to begin the week, which


What makes thunderstorms truly severe?

A storm in the middle of a warm air mass can’t get at the key ingredients for ‘severe’ status

As heat continues to build across the Prairies, the chances for thunderstorms have also increased. We began our look at thunderstorm fundamentals that lead to garden-variety thunderstorms, but while these types of thunderstorms are fun to watch, we all know how quickly they can turn into severe thunderstorms. A couple of weeks ago we talked



A mixed grass/alfalfa field gets its first cut in EastMan.

Rain relief brings good news for forage crops

The initial dour outlook for forage is looking brighter now that the dry spell has broken

Forage growers are seeing a glimmer of hope for the first time this season, with stands jumping from the recent rains. Some areas broke 10 millimetres of cumulated monthly rainfall for the first time in the last week of May. Brandon counted just over 55 millimetres through May and June as of June 3, while

Manitoba cattle producers are scrambling for hay while they wait for their pastures to regrow.

Slow-growing pasture means feed questions for producers

Pastures are slow growing this spring and last year’s feed surplus is starting to dwindle

Gord Adams of Deloraine has a feed problem, and he’s not the only one. The beef producer is among many Manitoba farmers reaching the limit of their feed supplies while pastures remain unable to fully support herds given poor regrowth. “We’re pretty much out of hay here now and we’ve been kind of trying to


Rapid crop growth seen, insect pressures on the rise

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report for June 4

Seeding progress estimated at 99 per cent complete across Manitoba. Widespread rainfall throughout Manitoba, although amounts variable within each region. The recent rains and warm temperatures have resulted in rapid crop growth. Herbicide applications continue as field conditions allow and crop and weeds reach the appropriate stage. Flea beetle activity reported throughout the province, with

Some fields in eastern Manitoba are showing signs of alfalfa weevil damage.

Fair weather sees good forage growth, alfalfa weevils on the scene

Forage and grassland conditions for Eastern Manitoba/Interlake and Western Manitoba/Central as of May 30 – 31

Fields in the Western area received some welcome rains with reports in the 2 inch range as of May 30. Central Manitoba reported only trace amounts of precipitation. Fields in Southeast Manitoba received around 7 mm while the Interlake received as much as 14 mm. Fields in the East that saw 3-4 inches of growth