January 2006 Precipitation

In southern mountain areas and in the Medicine Hat area, precipitation recorded during the month was above normal to much above normal. Normal precipitation was recorded in the High Level region, while in the remainder of the province much below normal precipitation was recorded (Figure 1). January precipitation totals are illustrated in Figure 2.

Winter Precipitation (November 1, 2005 to January 31, 2006)

Much below normal precipitation has been recorded in central and northern Alberta, with below normal winter precipitation in Jasper being the exception (Figure 3). In southern Alberta, winter precipitation has been generally below normal to much below normal in the plains. Normal to above normal precipitation has been recorded in the Waterton National Park area and below normal to normal in other mountain areas. Winter precipitation totals are illustrated in (Figure 4).

Fall Precipitation (September 1 to October 31, 2005)

Much below normal precipitation was recorded in most of the northern half of the province. Generally above normal to much above normal precipitation was recorded in the southern half of the province, but below normal to normal precipitation was measured in much of the area between Edmonton, Wainwright and Drumheller (Figure 5). Fall precipitation totals are illustrated in Figure 6.

Alberta Agriculture models soil moisture for non-mountainous, agricultural areas of Alberta. Soil moisture at the end of October 2005 is illustrated in Figure 7, which shows almost all of the province south of Edmonton is very wet and most of the agricultural areas in northwestern and north central Alberta are dry.

Long-Lead Precipitation Outlook

Environment Canada's long-lead forecast for Alberta issued on February 1, 2006 for the February through April 2006 period is for mainly normal precipitation in the western half of the province and below normal precipitation in the east. Above normal temperatures are expected throughout Alberta for the next three months. Environment Canada's long-lead precipitation outlook is available from their website located at: http://weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/saisons/index_e.html.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) long-lead forecasts issued on January 19, 2006 for February through to the end of April 2006 is for an equal chance of above normal, normal, or below normal precipitation and near normal temperatures for southern Alberta. The long range forecast for May through July 2006 is for an equal chance of above normal, normal, or below normal precipitation and temperature for southern Alberta. The NOAA reported January 12, 2006 that developing La Nina conditions are expected to continue for the next three to six months. NOAA's long-lead precipitation outlook is available from their website located at: http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/90day/.