This week's intense temperatures could cause some additional heat stress on crops that have already been dealing with dry conditions

Crop Statistican Ashan Shooshtarian says in areas that have seen some rain, moisture levels have improved, but precipitation has been very limited in the southern part of the province.

"Showers over the past week maintained soil moisture through the middle third of the province and improved soil moisture for much of the Peace Region. Meanwhile, precipitation was very limited in the South Region. Currently, soil moisture levels across the province vary. Soil moisture levels through much of the South Region are estimated to contain 20-40 mm of water available for plant growth.
In the Central Region, soil moisture levels range from 20 mm of water available for plant growth in the southern parts of the region to 140 mm in the northern and western areas. Across the North East and North West Regions, plant available moisture is estimated at minimum 60 mm, with large areas containing 120-140 mm of plant available moisture. For the Peace Region, soil moisture levels are limited to 40 mm of plant available water in the central Peace and increase through the western and southern areas to above 120 mm. Provincial surface soil moisture is rated at 12 per cent poor, 28 per cent fair, 47 per cent good, 12 per cent excellent and 1 per cent excessive, with similar ratings for sub-surface soil moisture. "

According to the report, Provincially, 80 per cent of crops are rated in good or excellent condition, slightly above the 5-year average of 78 per cent and the 10-year average of 75 per cent. Regional growing condition ratings dropped from a week ago in all regions but the North East Region, where it remained unchanged, and the Peace Region, where it improved by three per cent. Compared to the regional 5-year averages, crop conditions are better than normal in all regions, except for the South, where crops are under critical moisture stress.

Shooshtarian notes this week's heat wave could use up moisture reserves and cause negative impacts on crops and forages across the province, especially in the South and Peace Regions

THE FULL ALBERTA CROP REPORT IS AVAILABLE HERE.