During the past several months we have been in the midst of a transition from one of the strongest El Niño events on record to what will likely be a strong La Niña. Making this transition in the global pattern while also transitioning from winter to summer was bound to lead to some tumultuous weather patterns.

One of the key surprises in this transition was having the atmosphere return to a strong El Niño-like pattern during the month of April.

In addition, unusually strong blocking developed in the upper atmosphere, first across the North Atlantic and then in the vicinity of Alaska. Blocking in the atmosphere in these regions often causes the jet stream to dip well to the south across central and eastern North America, and that is what we have often seen this spring.

According to several weather network's forecast for the next few months, most of Saskatchewan will see slightly above normal temperatures throughout the summer, although nothing too extreme is expected.

As far as precipitation is concerned, a stretch across northern Alberta and Saskatchewan as well as directly below the US-Canada border in the States are expected to get lower than normal precipitation amounts. The agricultural belt across the central and southern regions of the province are expected to miss this lower level of precipitation. One thing is certain in looking at several of these summer forecasts is that with El Niño receding and La Niña moving in, when it does rain it is expected to pour. Along with wild swings in precipitation, there also could be a rash of extreme electrical storms, tornadoes and other extreme weather patterns.

For more information on what La Niña is click here.

For more information on what El Niño is click here.