Canada: Latest weather predictions a mixed bag

February saw colder and drier than average conditions across the Prairies, with the CFS model accurately predicting the cold and near to slightly above average precipitation. Looking ahead, forecasts suggest a slightly colder and snowier than average March, followed by a warmer April with near average precipitation. The Canadian Farmers Almanac and NOAA forecast model predict a colder and wetter March, with near average temperatures and precipitation in April. Most models agree on a relatively dry May, with Manitoba expected to be the driest. These forecasts will be discussed at the 23 International Conference BLACK SEA GRAIN.KYIV on April 24 in Kyiv.

After a warm start to the year, temperatures took a decidedly cold turn in February. Thanks to a southward shift in the infamous polar vortex, all the major reporting stations recorded well below average temperatures in February. Even with the blast of warm air that invaded the Prairies during the last week of the month, average temperatures were just not able to recover. It was also a dry month across the Prairies in February with only Regina reporting above average precipitation. It was very clear that February was colder and drier than average. Looking back at all the forecasts, I would have to give the win to the CFS model, which correctly called for a much colder than average February with near to slightly above average precipitation. While the precipitation forecast was off a little bit, the temperature forecast was bang on. Now on to our look at the long-range weather predictions. TheOld Farmers Almanac is predicting a slightly colder and snowier than average March ...