Widespread extreme heat is ramping up the stress on Prairie crops and livestock.
As can be seen on the map below, Alberta and Saskatchewan have borne the brunt of the stifling conditions over the past week, especially southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan. Most of Manitoba has seen more moderate – but still warm - conditions, except for those areas closest to the Saskatchewan border.
A note from World Weather on Wednesday said this week’s extreme heat, following on the heels of last week’s cooldown, is quickly depleting topsoil moisture in many areas of the Prairies. The current situation is being made worse by the fact the forecast for most of Western Canada – outside of some heavy rain for northern Alberta today and Friday - looks dry for the next week to 10 days.
A return to more seasonal temperatures is expected across many Prairie areas Friday and Saturday, but the mercury is expected to start climbing again later this weekend and into early next week.
Today’s Saskatchewan crop report noted quickly deteriorating crops in the province amid the extreme heat, with some crops already close to being ready for harvest.
