It is already bone dry in many regions and the forecast calls for a continuation of that weather pattern through much of Alberta, Saskatchewan and western Manitoba.
Winnipeg has had the driest start to a year since Environment Canada began tracking precipitation in 1872.
“A good portion of Manitoba really is in a desperate situation already and we’re just into the early part of May.” Strong winds haven’t helped conditions in the dry areas of the Prairies.
He is most concerned about eastern Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba, which will be parched for the longest period.
In the western Prairies, it is expected to be arid in June with timely showers and thunderstorms in southern and eastern Alberta and western Saskatchewan in July and August.
Daphne Cruise, crops extension specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture, said dry conditions are at the forefront of producers’ minds in the south coming off last year’s drought.
Many growers in the central part of the province were pleasantly surprised by last year’s yields given the dry conditions.
Harry Brook, crop specialist with Alberta Agriculture, said there is very little soil moisture in central and southern Alberta and the northern Peace region, making those areas susceptible to drought.
However, most of the Peace region is saturated and could use some drying down, so the dry and warm conditions would be welcome there.
If it was up to us, we’d rather not issue a forecast of precipitation but I know that’s all important to farmers,” he said.