June 2006 Precipitation

Precipitation recorded in June divided the province into three bands of extremes (Figure 1). Much above normal precipitation was recorded in the northwest corner (High Level north to NWT border) and in southern Alberta (Calgary-Drumheller and south). Across north-central Alberta generally much below normal precipitation was recorded, from Peace River to Wainwright. Areas in between these areas of extremes generally recorded below normal to normal precipitation. Precipitation in the mountains ranged from normal to above normal for most areas between the U.S. and Banff, was below normal between Banff and Jasper, and much below normal from Jasper north. June precipitation totals are illustrated in Figure 2.

Summer Precipitation (May 1, 2006 to June 30, 2006)

Most of Alberta recorded below normal to normal summer precipitation, with the exceptions of most southern plains areas and some areas in northwestern Alberta where above to much above normal summer precipitation was recorded (Figure 3). Summer precipitation totals are illustrated in Figure 4.

Winter Precipitation (November 1, 2005 to April 30, 2006)

Most of northern and west central Alberta recorded below normal to normal winter precipitation. A few exceptions being small areas north of Fort McMurray and east of Red Deer, the town of Peace River, and the High Level region, where above normal to much above normal precipitation was recorded, and the area between Slave Lake, Edmonton, and Lac La Biche where much below normal precipitation was recorded. East central and southern plains areas of Alberta recorded much below normal precipitation with the exceptions of the Medicine Hat and Lloydminster areas where normal precipitation was recorded, and the Cypress Hills which recorded above normal winter precipitation. In the mountains, below normal to normal precipitation was recorded, with one exception being the Sunshine area (southwest of Banff) which recorded much above normal precipitation (Figure 5). Winter precipitation totals are illustrated in Figure 6.

Fall Precipitation (September 1 to October 31, 2005)

Much above normal precipitation was recorded in a band across the province from Peace River and Jasper to Cold Lake, whereas northeastern Alberta recorded normal precipitation and the northwestern corner of the province recorded below normal precipitation. Most of southern Alberta recorded below normal to normal precipitation except in Rocky Mountain House, High River, and Claresholm where much above normal precipitation occurred, and the Drumheller, Brooks, and Medicine Hat areas where much below normal precipitation was recorded (Figure 7). Fall precipitation totals are illustrated in Figure 8.

Soil moisture conditions in agricultural areas of the province, as measured by Alberta Agriculture for October 31, 2005 , can be seen in Figure 9. Soil moisture generally ranges from normal to well above normal in southern and western Alberta, with the most notable exceptions being in the High Level and Edson areas, which range from below normal to extreme deficit. Much of east central Alberta is classified as having below to well below normal soil moisture

Long-Lead Precipitation Outlook

Environment Canada's long-lead forecast for Alberta issued on July 1, 2006 for the July through September 2006 period is for below normal precipitation and above normal temperatures throughout the province. 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 June 15, 2006 for July through September 2006 is for above normal temperatures and an even chance of above normal, normal, or below normal precipitation in southern Alberta. The NOAA is reporting that ENSO neutral conditions (no El Nino or La Nina) are expected for the next three months. NOAA's long-lead precipitation outlook is available from their website located at: http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/90day/.