Parts of Central Alberta got a taste of an April snowstorm on the weekend, and sharply colder temperatures, at least for a day or two.
The wet snow was certainly welcomed by producers. But a much bigger low-pressure system is now taking aim at parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba that desperately need moisture this spring. According to the Weather Network, some areas could get hit with upwards of 30 centimetres of snow from two separate storms that are making their way across the central grain belt today and Tuesday. The network is saying some cities are on track to receive double or triple their average accumulations for the month of April with this double hit.
Drew Lerner with World Weather Inc believes the prairies could see more of these storms in the coming weeks, as April turns to May. But he's doubtful about the impact these storms will have on producers in Alberta just itching to get out and start seeding. "I think in the case of Alberta, I don't see big storm systems that are going to just soak the region or bury the region in snow. We may have one storm that comes along. I think it will be a fairly good environment for Alberta as we go forward through this spring season. My concern is in the southern part of the province where we are still fighting a prolonged bout of dryness. I think that we can get some of these storms, that I've mentioned that will come up into the southern prairies, that come into that area too, but I do have a little more reservation about how much rain is going to fall in Southern Alberta, maybe Southwest Saskatchewan, relative to areas in Southeast Saskatchewan or Manitoba, where I think rain chances are higher."
Lerner advises those that maybe want to get in the field a bit earlier that there are still chances of some cold temperatures into May so be aware if you are preparing to plant your canola or soybeans early.
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