Rainfall in the Battlefords and Meadow Lake isn't expected until the weekend and many are hoping there's more precipitation than predicted. (File photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Hoping for more

Rainfall expected by Monday as dry conditions continue

May 19, 2021 | 3:00 PM

Northwest Saskatchewan is seeing a below average drop in temperatures this week, but farmers, fire crews and others in the region or hoping it brings more moisture than what is being predicted.

The Battlefords, Lloydminster and Meadow Lake are all down to single digits Wednesday, with the highs over the next few days expected to remain low. There were some reports of light snow in the Meadow Lake area and meteorologist Terri Lang of Environment Canada said that even that is a welcome sight at the moment.

“There’s not as much that squeezes out of snow, but it doesn’t pose a risk to farmers,” she said. “You wouldn’t risk damage to the crops with snow and frost, because they’re still in the ground.”

“Any moisture is good at this time.”

Lang said at most, the snowfall yesterday only produced a few millilitres of moisture. Meadow Lake, which could still see some snow, is predicted to reach a high of 3 Celsius, eventually warming up to 15 C on Saturday. The Battlefords are forecasted for 6 C on Wednesday and peak at 14 C on Sunday. Both areas will hit below freezing temperatures overnight.

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Next week on Monday, there could be a big storm in the region, bringing in plenty of precipitation. However, Lang said it’s not likely to hit Meadow Lake as strong as other communities. The chance of precipitation only sits at 60 per cent, with no indication that it will amount to several centimetres of rain.

“However, weather models can change and they’ve been having trouble with some of these big systems,” she said.

Given the colder temperatures, Lang said it’s a good idea for residents to hold off planting their gardens this week as there are chances of frost. Afterwards, average temperatures are expected to resume heading into June.

“Anyone who’s bought any bedding plants or tomato plants should bring them in this weekend, because it does look there’s going to be a hard frost,” Lang said. “So save yourself some money or go buy them after the weekend passes.”

Another point Lang stressed was for residents looking to barbecue or run a camp fire to be extremely cautious. The dry spring so far has resulted in grass and house fires throughout the province, including a significant wildfire near Prince Albert.

“Those weren’t started by lightning. These were man-made fire starts and we’ve seen with the wind how quickly things can take off,” Lang said.

Fire bans are in place for most of the Northwest region of Saskatchewan.

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josh.ryan@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports