Western Canadian Weather Roller Coaster Adds Uncertainty
It’s not even the end of June, but the weather in western Canada has already experienced more twists and turns in 2026 than in recent memory, with the biggest changes occurring in the western prairies. It was only a month ago that soil moisture maps for Alberta looked mostly orange and red and there were widespread concerns about possible drought. Now, the moisture maps for Alberta are mainly green and blue, a very quick turnaround.
Various reports from numerous locations show a wide range of crop conditions as of late June. We’re hearing that large parts of Alberta, mostly in central and southern regions, are looking quite positive. Other areas, particularly in the western and northern Peace River region, are still dry. At the other end of the spectrum, reports from northeast and northwest Alberta are telling us about standing water and flooded crops. Other parts of the prairies are experiencing very variable conditions, from “great” to “ugly”.
Most often in western Canada, the biggest problems facing the crop are caused by dry conditions but so far in 2026, the opposite is true. And with more rain on the way, areas that are already too wet won’t be seeing any relief and it may get worse. Which brings us to pulse crops.
Excess moisture is a big problem for all crops, reducing yields and lowering quality, but pulses are even more susceptible to wet conditions and high humidity. Root rot and other diseases flourish under these conditions and have been serious issues in the past, taking their toll on pea, lentil and chickpea crops.
Of course, it’s too soon to make any reliable crop forecasts, either in terms of acreage or yields. StatsCan will release its updated acreage estimates at the end of June, based on a farmer survey, and there could be a few surprises in those numbers that affect crop size. Keep in mind though, planting delays in Saskatchewan and drowned-out low spots in Alberta will trim a few acres from the total. Yields are another question entirely. Last year’s exceptionally high yields will be difficult to repeat, especially if conditions remain wet.
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