(Resource News International) — Above-normal precipitation is
expected to cover much of Western Canada’s grain and oilseed belt
during the winter months, according to the latest long-range
weather outlook released by the Canadian
Meteorological Center (CMC) of Environment Canada.
In its outlook for the December, January and February
period, Environment Canada predicted above-average
precipitation would cover the majority of Western Canada, a good
portion of Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes.
The extreme southern and northern regions of Ontario were
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In its three-month temperature outlook, Environment Canada
predicted below-normal temperatures would dominate both
western and eastern Canada.
Precipitation during the spring seeding period of March
through May was expected to be quite variable. Below-average
rainfall was forecast for the western coast of British Columbia,
with the eastern regions of the province and the western regions
of Alberta seen experiencing normal precipitation.
The remaining regions of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and
the majority of Ontario were all expected to see above-average
precipitation, Environment Canada said. The lower half of Quebec
was seen experiencing normal precipitation while the northern
half rainfall was likely to be below normal. The forecast for the
Maritimes called for above average precipitation.
Meanwhile, temperatures right across Canada during the
springtime were expected to be below normal, Environment Canada
forecast.
Precipitation during the critical summer growing months of
June, July and August in Western Canada will also be quite
variable, Environment Canada said.
Below-normal rainfall was seen covering much of British
Columbia, the northern half of Manitoba, much of Ontario and the
northern half of Quebec. Above-average precipitation, meanwhile,
was seen covering most of Alberta and Saskatchewan as well as the
southern half of Quebec including the Maritimes.
Temperatures during June, July and August were forecast by
Environment Canada to be above average across Western Canada and
into the western half of Ontario. Below normal readings were seen
covering Quebec and the Maritimes during this period.
Heading back into the fall harvest period of September,
October and November, Environment Canada forecast that
precipitation would be below normal in much of Alberta and
Saskatchewan, as well as over the eastern half of Ontario through
to the Maritimes. Mostly average precipitation was forecast to
cover Manitoba and the western regions of Ontario.
Temperatures during this same period will be above normal
across Western Canada and over much of Ontario, Environment
Canada said. Normal readings were likely to be experienced in
Quebec and a good portion of the Maritimes.
