Light reflects off crystals of blowing snow during a blustery winter day near Russell, Man., December 2023.

Why is the sky blue?

A look at some big recent weather stories and more weather basics

Reading Time: 4 minutes The colour of the skies, on the Prairies and elsewhere, tells the story of the paths sunlight takes as it enters Earth’s atmosphere, Daniel Bezte writes.

MCO weather map at Jpeg

The lowdown on winter storms on the Prairies

It takes more than just a trough of low pressure to kick up a memorable winter storm

Reading Time: 4 minutes It takes more than just a trough of low pressure to develop an Alberta Clipper or Colorado Low, which are the biggest winter storms in Manitoba. It also takes humidity, temperature changes and a host of other variables coming into play.





A straw bale stands in the middle of a field, surrounded by drifts and blowing snow in December 2024. Photo: Alexis Stockford

Prairie winter snowfall forecast 2025-2026

How much snow should farmers in Alberta and elsewhere on the Prairies expect for the rest of December 2025 and into January-February 2026?

Reading Time: 4 minutes How much snow should farmers in Alberta and elsewhere on the Canadian Prairies expect for the rest of December 2025 and into January-February 2026?



The June 20-22 rain will ensure that most producers harvest a crop in 2025.

Global warming and rainfall for Prairie farmers

As the atmosphere warms, farmers in the Prairie region could see more heavy rainfalls

Reading Time: 4 minutes Heavy rainfalls will become more common as the prevailing climate conditions on the Canadian Prairies become more conducive for their development, weather expert Daniel Bezte says.

weather map as JPEG Aug 14 MCO

Heatwaves and upper highs

Sunshine and sinking air mean rising temperatures

Reading Time: 4 minutes Weather expert Daniel Bezte looks at heat waves and the climate factors that lead to extended periods of high heat in the Prairies.


A thunderstorm rolls across southern Manitoba on June 22.

Thunderstorms and straight-line winds

Straight-line winds in thunderstorms can cause as much damage as a tornado

Reading Time: 4 minutes Weather columnist Daniel Bezte discusses the strength of straight-line winds during a thunderstorm and the damage they can cause.

AFSC offers two hail insurance options to Alberta producers: hail endorsement and straight hail insurance.

Alberta dwarfs the Prairies in hail claims

It’s not just because we get more hail, says crop insurance expert

Reading Time: 3 minutes When a province has a huge chunk of its geography referred to as “hailstorm alley,” it’s not surprising crop producers would get a lot of payouts for hail damage. But does that alone explain why total insurance payouts for hail damage in Alberta are about seven times more than the other Prairie provinces? According to […] Read more