Lessons and learning for Course 1: The Very Beeginnings has been taking place this week, beginning on Tuesday, and wrapping up this Saturday. This has been a new experience for many of us and we appreciate all the support and participation we received from the Atlantic beekeeping community for this first course rollout!
Spring and Summer 2021 Weather Forecast
The spring equinox was last Saturday, March 20th, and it has brought with it some fantastic weather for the Atlantic Canada region! Since beekeeping and colony activities are largely dictated by weather, it is a good idea as a beekeeper to be informed on weather forecasts, and also not a bad idea to compare season predictions across various sources. This is especially a good idea for the spring season as the bees are coming out of overwintering. For the 2021 season, the following weather forecasts have been announced:- The Old Farmer’s Almanac – 2021 Long Range Weather Forecast for Atlantic Canada*:
“April and May will be slightly warmer than normal, with precipitation below normal in the north and above normal in the south. Summer will be warmer than normal, with rainfall below normal in the north and above normal in the south. The hottest periods will be in mid-June and early and mid-August. Watch for a tropical storm threat in early to mid-August. September and October temperatures will be near normal, with above-normal rainfall.” * (full report here)
- The Weather Network – Welcome to spring, Canada! Your next three months of weather here*:
“Back-and-forth temperature swings are expected to tip to the warm side normal across Atlantic Canada, but we will still see the inevitable periods of colder weather that will test our patience as we wait for consistently warm weather. Also, the milder forecast does not rule out late winter-like storms.
Near normal precipitation is expected, but we have a lower than typical risk for widespread spring flooding due to the below normal snowpack across the region.” * (full report here)
- Farmer’s Almanac – Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec Long Range Weather Forecast for March 24th to April 23rd*:
“March 24th – 27th Storm tracks through upstate NY and central New England, bringing a widespread snowfall; March 28th – 31st Continued unsettled, followed by gradual clearing; April 1st – 3rd Initially pleasant weather, then becomes unsettled; April 4th – 7th Rainy skies for Easter Sunday and Monday, then becoming fair. April 8th – 11th Fair weather, then turning stormy. April 12th – 15th Thunderstorms clear over the Maritimes, becoming fair; April 16th – 19th Becoming unsettled with showers; April 20th – 23rd Fair skies, unseasonably warm.” * (full report here)
- AccuWeather – AccuWeather’s 2021 Canada spring forecast*:
“As stormy conditions set up over western Canada, a secondary storm track will develop over the Great Lakes and eastern Canada. “This pattern will lead to above-normal precipitation and the risk for significant, early-spring snowfall over northern and central Ontario as well as into Quebec,” Anderson said…Despite the unsettled weather pattern, temperatures across much of eastern Canada are forecast to climb above average. Above-normal water temperatures in the northwest Atlantic Ocean will play a role.” (full report here)
Not only is it a good idea to keep an eye on the weather for determining the best day to perform beekeeping management activities, but it also provides insight into timing of plant blooming and pollen availability. As climate trends change over time and spring forecasts predict earlier and warmer spring seasons, plants will naturally alter their blooming times to match the weather. In beekeeping, it is especially important to consider the interconnectivity among weather trends, plant growth and bloom timings, and the timings of colony activities.
Fundamentals of Beekeeping Course 1: The Very Beeginnings is Underway
Teaching and learning for the first course of the Fundamentals of Beekeeping certificate program commenced this past Tuesday and is scheduled to conclude this Saturday! This first course has been a success thus far and Course 2: Working Bees and Hive Health is slated to continue the program in May. Stay tuned for updates and additional information regarding Course 2 of the Fundamentals of Beekeeping program over the upcoming weeks!Connecting with ATTTA Specialists
If you’d like to connect with ATTTA specialists or learn more about our program, you can:
visit our website at https://www.perennia.ca/portfolio-items/honey-bees/
Email abyers@perennia.ca