Rain and More Rain

The maps are always a bit behind and they aren’t always perfectly accurate for localized areas, but it’s still very interesting to follow the precipitation maps published by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Just google “Drought Watch” and you’ll be able to find the website. As of the end of May, the central and northern grainbelt of Saskatchewan was well below normal springtime precipitation. In fact, from Saskatoon to North Battleford to Lloydminster and up to Meadow Lake, precipitation was less than 40 per cent of normal. Melfort and Tisdale were also below 40 per cent. The most recent maps give precipitation totals up until June 19 and the situation has changed dramatically. There are a few areas with 60 to 85 per cent of normal precipitation, but most of the central and northern grainbelt is now up to normal precipitation since April 1. Meanwhile, the area with more than double the normal springtime precip has expanded and includes Gravelbourg, Coronach, Weyburn, Estevan and over to Brandon. In fact, if you check the percentile map, this area is record wet. It’s never had more springtime precipitation since record keeping began.

I’m Kevin Hursh.