The month of August in Ormstown provided a break from the record heat experienced in July with an average of 20.1 degrees which is in line with the ten year normal of 20.2. Total precipitation was 141 mms. or 5.5 inches which is well above the 3 inch normal but was quickly absorbed by the very dry soil. The four inch water deficit that had accumulated since the beginning of April has now been offset by the 2.5 inch surplus in August and any new showers quickly lead to puddles on the surface. When reviewing the hottest summers (June, July, August) over the last 54 years, 2020 and 2018 tied for second place behind the summer of 2005 which had the hottest average temperature for the three month period. Heat units for the month were 744 which is normal and the accumulation since May 4 is 2664 which is 34 above normal but a big improvement over the cold 2358 recorded in 2019.
It has been a difficult summer for farm crops due to the extremes. Rainfall amounts varied greatly within a ten mile distance.
- March—6th warmest and wet
- April—12th coldest and dry
- May—18th coldest and very dry
- June—7th hottest and extremely dry
- July—record hot and normal rainfall
- August—22nd warmest and very wet
It would have been perfect growing conditions if the six months were all averaged out but the cold and dry spells have reduced the potential yield of most crops with forage likely being the worst off. Ormstown had 28 days of 30 degrees or above since May which is likely a record.
Peter Finlayson
