National Agroclimate risk report for April reports dry conditions

This report provides timely information on the regional agroclimate conditions, risks, and impacts across Canada. Reports are produced every three weeks.

National overview

The most significant climate-related risks to agriculture during this reporting period are flooding and excess moisture through the southeastern Prairies and continued drought through the western Prairies. Two substantial storm systems brought heavy snow and intense winds to southeastern Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba, resulting in significant snow drifts. In addition, record low temperatures were recorded throughout western Canada. Recent storms have delayed producers moving cattle to pasture, extending feeding requirements and increasing pressure on already tight feed supplies. The heavy snow and rapid melting have resulted in localized flooding in southern Manitoba.

Many regions are forecast to see continued delays in field activity and seeding this spring. Forecast precipitation is not expected to result in significant improvements to drought conditions in southern Alberta and western Saskatchewan.

Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts near normal temperatures for much of British Columbia and Alberta, cooler than normal temperatures across the eastern Prairies and Ontario, and warmer than normal temperatures for parts of Quebec and the Atlantic Region. Precipitation is forecast for much of southern Canada over the next two weeks, with the highest amounts expected across southern Manitoba and coastal British Columbia. In southern Manitoba, scattered rain and snow will result in additional flood risk and delay seeding further.

Over the last 30 days, very high to extremely high precipitation was received in southwestern British Columbia, southeast Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba, northwestern Ontario, southern Quebec, and parts of Atlantic Canada. Below normal precipitation was received throughout much of southern Alberta and southern Ontario.

Currently, less than 1% of farms and cattle are contained in regions that have experienced very low to extremely low precipitation since March 26, 2022. Conversely, 21% of farms and 15% of cattle are contained in regions that have experienced very high to extremely high precipitation over the same time period.

In the past 30 days, temperatures have been below normal through most agricultural regions of Canada. Eastern Saskatchewan and Manitoba represented the largest departure from normal at greater than - 5 degrees Celsius. Cool temperatures at this time of year pose the risk of delaying field operations and seeding.

Regional Conditions Alberta

Continued lack of precipitation and snow cover has resulted in low soil moisture across much of the province, except for the Peace River Region where soil moisture is adequate. Cold temperatures have delayed seeding operations in most areas. Southern Alberta had below normal soil moisture reserves heading into spring. These areas need moisture for pastures to recover and to provide moisture for winter wheat and seed germination. Dry soils have permitted limited seeding to begin. Pasture growth is slow due to lack of moisture and cool temperatures. Forages will require rest before being grazed. This means that the livestock feed shortage will continue. The cold weather has limited moisture stress on pastures that need moisture and were significantly impacted by last year’s drought.

Forecast

• The May ECCC forecast is for near to below normal temperatures across the country with the coolest temperatures expected for coastal British Columbia, eastern Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. Above normal precipitation is expected for coastal British Columbia while dry conditions are expected in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan.

• Excess moisture and flooding could delay fieldwork in many areas of the country, particularly British Columbia, Manitoba and Quebec. In Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan, the forecast for dry conditions will allow for early field work, however moisture is needed for germination and stand development.

This report was created with help from our network of Agroclimate Impact Reporter volunteers. Each month, they help us report on current conditions and weather-related risks to Canada’s agriculture sector. Join the network if you are interested in becoming an Agroclimate Impact Reporter.