Weather Network predicts drier, cooler fall for south-central Alberta
A senior meteorologist says the region should avoid a repeat of Labour Day weekend's wet weather, though conditions won't be ideal for harvest drying.
Why it matters
The forecast affects whether farmers in the region get a workable window to complete their harvest before winter sets in.
The Weather Network's Fall 2026 forecast, released Wednesday, calls for cooler and drier conditions across south-central Alberta through September, according to senior meteorologist Doug Gillham. Spotty showers were still expected Thursday afternoon and evening, but the broader pattern points away from the heavy rain seen over Labour Day weekend.
Gillham said producers hoping to get into their fields for harvest won't see perfect drying weather, but conditions should be more workable than the wet stretch experienced earlier in September. Looking at the back half of the month, he said the final ten days of September are expected to bring warmer-than-normal temperatures alongside a continued drier pattern.
Further ahead, Gillham said October and November could bring a delayed start to winter weather, including the region's first snowfall, due to the influence of a strong El Nino pattern this year.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.