(Resource News International) — A widespread frost was reported across many parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan overnight, with more cold temperatures in the weekend forecasts, according to Environment Canada data.
Temperatures dropped below freezing across a large area of western Saskatchewan and into central Alberta overnight, with the lows ranging from -1°C to as low as -7°C, according to Environment Canada data.
Another frost is also in the forecasts for many areas Saturday morning, Sept. 18, with lows in the -1°C to -8°C range expected in parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
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Manitoba is largely forecast to remain frost-free through the weekend, although Environment Canada calls for temperatures near the freezing mark in many areas.
The cool temperatures were said to be creating some concerns for farmers with crops still left to be harvested. However, the larger concern now is the wetness causing delays in many areas, according to market participants.
The frost will cause a few quality issues, but for most producers the crops are mature enough that a frost won’t create problems anymore, said Ken Ball, a broker with Union Securities in Winnipeg.
Wetness and coolness in general are much larger concerns for producers now, he said..
“Many growers are now saying that the frost is a good thing,” said Ball, noting that the frost will terminate the growing cycle and reduce the need for desiccation in many cases.
