An impending heat wave could severely impact crops across Alberta, the June 22 provincial crop report says. The heat wave is forecast to be followed by severe thunderstorm activities, with very little certainty in timing, areas affected and severity.
“Impending hot temperatures could use up moisture reserves and cause negative impacts on crops and forages across the province, especially in the south and Peace regions,” the report says.
Showers over the past week did help to maintain soil moisture in central Alberta and improve moisture levels in most of the Peace region. Precipitation in the south was limited though, the report notes.
Across Alberta 80 per cent of crops are rated at good or excellent condition, which is slightly above the five-year average of 78 per cent, the report says. Growing conditions have dropped in the last week in all regions but the north east, where it remains unchanged, and the Peace where it improved by three per cent.
“Compared to the regional five-year averages, crop conditions are better than normal in all regions, except for the south, where crops are under critical moisture stress,” the report says.
