(Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Precipitation proceeding

More rainfall expected this week, following weekend showers

Jun 8, 2021 | 5:15 PM

Saskatchewan had a much needed wet weekend and there’s more of that on the way.

Northwest Saskatchewan, like other regions in the province, had a flurry of showers and thundershowers between Friday evening and Sunday. Jason Knight from Environment Canada said there was plenty of rain for the Battlefords, which reached 20 millimetres through the weekend, similar to the rest of the province

“Fairly similar numbers for the rest of west central Saskatchewan, at about 10-20 millimetres with a peak of 35 millimetres up in Spiritwood,” Knight said.

While the rain didn’t make a huge dent in drought conditions, Knight said the region has been above normal precipitation for the past month.

“So we’re starting to make up the difference,” he said. “Still, at about 75 per cent of normal levels for the season.”

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Where that difference could really be made up is in the next few days. Knight said there’s some substantial rainfall coming on Wednesday and heading into the weekend, with as much as 25 millimetres for most municipalities.

“Give it another week and we’ll [see] a big difference in the rainfall totals across much of Saskatchewan,” he said.

Because of previous moisture totals, the chances of further showers making an impact will increase. Deputy Fire Chief Colin O’Hara in North Battleford said the rain that fell over the weekend is beginning to soak in rather than just dampening dry soil.

“You’re seeing things green up around town and it’s a step in the right direction in regards to mitigating how dry it’s been,” he said.

However, the fire department is remaining cautious in regards to its current fire ban. While those with approved pits can still utilize them, the ban will remain for at least a day or so. O’Hara said they are meeting soon to discuss when to lift it, considering the upcoming forecast. The Battlefords will have a strong chance of showers all throughout Thursday and Friday, before sunny conditions on Saturday and Sunday.

“If that rain falls and the moisture seeps in properly under the ground, I can see that ban being lifted,” O’Hara said.

He added that this is important given temperatures getting hotter next week.

“The hotter it is and the more wind, moisture quickly dries out,” O’Hara said. “It’s all weather dependent.”

And while the water levels in the North Saskatchewan River remain relatively low compared to other years, O’Hara said it has started to move a quick pace, meaning residents should be cautious when fishing, boating and other river related activities.

“So far, so good, and knock on wood that it stays that way.”

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cjnbnews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW