Stand Off, Alberta, is in for a sunny and warm week, but Environment Canada says residents with gardens should take care Wednesday night when the temperature could fall close to the freezing mark.
According to Environment Canada, the forecast for Wednesday, June 17, calls for clear skies and an overnight low of 5°C. While there are no frost advisories in place as of Monday, calm winds and clear conditions can allow the temperature to drop enough to damage sensitive plants.
Frost is not out of the question in southern Alberta in the middle of June. On June 17, 2024, Cardston dipped to -0.1°C, breaking a 75-year record. Environment Canada issues frost advisories when the thermometer is expected to hit 0°C during the growing season, which can harm crops and gardens.
The rest of the week looks ideal for being outdoors. Tuesday will be sunny with a high of 24°C, Thursday and Friday are also sunny with highs of 20°C and 22°C. Monday is seeing a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 26°C. The longer growing season in southern Alberta means many gardeners have already put tender plants in the ground, so covering them or moving pots indoors Wednesday night is a good precaution.
Stand Off is the administrative centre of the Blood Tribe, one of Canada’s largest First Nations communities with more than 13,000 members and a reserve spanning about 1,424 square kilometres southwest of Lethbridge. The warm, dry days ahead should give everyone a chance to enjoy the early summer weather, once the midweek chill passes.