Prairie Weather (Rural Roots Canada): Intense storms during the week of June 29 to July 5 resulted in substantial crop loss, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association (CCHA).

The storms brought large hailstones, strong winds, and heavy rain. In all, almost 1,250 crop damage claims were filed during that time.

“There were pockets of large hail, with some farmers reporting up to golf ball-size,” says Brendan Blight with the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation.

Rural Roots Canada meteorologist David Spence says it seems to be a fairly typical hail season so far, despite the golf ball-sized hail that has fallen in the last couple of weeks in some areas.

“We get a lot of hail in the Prairies, especially in Alberta,” says Spence. “That’s due in large part to our altitude. So, yes, we’ve seen a lot of hail, but I don’t think it’s all that abnormal. And, yes, a lot of insurance claims have already been made, but I don’t think it’s been exceptional this year.”

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With those storms came much-needed rain in many parched areas of the Prairies.

“Crops are advancing nicely with the moisture and heat we’ve been having,” says Brian Bernauer, with Rain and Hail Insurance Services. Still, the latest Canadian drought monitor shows conditions have rapidly deteriorated across the prairies and Canada.

Regional Breakdown of Storm Damage

Alberta

Crops damaged: Alfalfa, Barley, Canola, Corn, Faba Bean, Flax, Lentil, Mustard, Oats, Peas, Rye, Triticale, Wheat

Communities impacted: Langdon, Gleichen, Bassano, Rosemary, Didsbury, Olds, Bowden, Three Hills, Torrington, Trochu, Alliance, Daysland, Strome, Irma, Wainwright, Provost, Derwent, Heinsburg, Morinville, Legal, Edson, Kinuso, Woking, Dewberry, Kitscotty, Cluny, Red Deer

Saskatchewan

Crops damaged: Wheat, Barley, Lentils, Peas, Canola, Oats

Communities impacted: Kelvington, Melfort, Tisdale, Antler, Manor, Redvers, Wawota, Canwood, Debden, Macklin, Big River, Kelvington, Wadena, Redvers, Swift Current, Outlook, Rosthern, Price Albert, Walburg, Spruce Lake, Kelso, Fairlight, Maryfield, Wawota, Maymont, Naicam, Carrot River

Manitoba

Crops damaged: Cereals, Corn, Soybeans, Canola, Peas, Flax, Edible Beans, Sunflowers, Wheat, Oats

Communities impacted: Bowsman, Dominion City, Cartier, Plumas, St. Leon, Minto, Pipestone, Reston, Stanley, Tilston, Winkler, St Leon, Oak Bluff,  Rosenort, Reston, Deloraine, Manitou, Snowflake, Beausejour, Virden, Melita, Reston, Wakopa, Killarney, Swan Lake, Brunkild, Sperling, Killarney, Reston, Baldur, Boissevain

COMPARE TO LAST REPORT: Hail Report: Golf Ball-Sized Hail Damages Crops in Saskatchewan