Isolated rainfall and storm events occurred across the southern portion of the province this week, with accumulations ranging from 5.8 mm to 145.6 mm.
Some storms were accompanied by heavy rains and strong winds.
Tornadoes (causing minimal damage) were confirmed by the Northern Tornadoes Project near Dugald (August 6), Birds Hill (August 6), and Grande-Clairiere (August 5).
Much of the Northwest, Southwest, and southern portions of the Interlake regions received more than 30 mm of precipitation over the past seven days.
The highest amount of rainfall was observed at Ethelbert with 145.6 mm.
Southwest
Most areas received precipitation over the last week, benefiting longer-season crops. Hail was reported in the Boissevain and Ninette areas. Some winter cereals were harvested, and many fields received a pre-harvest application. Last week’s rain slowed harvest progress. Spring cereals are beginning to turn, with later-seeded fields in the head-fill stage. Most canola is out of bloom and pods are filling. Heat and dry conditions have shortened the flowering period; however, recent rains will aid in pod fill and development. Flax is moving out of the flowering stage and appears healthy, with no major issues reported. Moisture will help with boll formation and seed set. Sunflower fields have begun blooming and are at the R5 stage in most areas. Early seeded soybeans are approaching the R4 to R5 growth stages. The recent rain was timely and beneficial for development. Sudden growth syndrome has been noticed in soybeans this year, due to fluctuations in temperature. Most peas are turning with some fields ready for desiccation. A few early-seeded fields were harvested in the southwest corner of the province. Corn is tasseling, with some later-planted fields just beginning to tassel. Most fields are in good condition, though crops on lighter soil are showing signs of moisture and heat stress. No reports of silage harvest yet.
Northwest
Another week of warm temperatures and smoky conditions, and unsettled weather, over the weekend, brought varying amounts of precipitation. High wind speeds and heavy rain caused lodging in some cereal crops. Harvest is paused while fields dry up. Fall rye and winter wheat harvest has started. Spring wheat crops range from soft to hard dough stage, preharvest applications continue as appropriate stages are reached. Field peas continue in the R6 to R7 stage with desiccations underway. Field pea harvest has started. Canola crops are varied across the region. Most fields are wrapping up flowering stage and are podded. Sunscald symptoms are evident with recent high temperatures, as well as pod abortion. Most soybean crops are at the R4 stage and range in condition. While some fields look average, some show signs of moisture stress. Recent precipitation may benefit some crops.
