30-year Average Growing Degree Days (GDDs), Base 5

Growing Degree Days (GDDs) are used to estimate the growth and development of plants and insects during the growing season. Insect and plant development are very dependent on temperature and the daily accumulation of heat. The amount of heat required to move a plant or pest to the next development stage remains constant from year to year. However, the actual amount of time (days) can vary considerably from year to year because of weather conditions.

Base temperatures are a point below which development does not occur for the organism in question. Base 5 temperatures are commonly used for alfalfa, canola and general plant growth.

These values are calculated across Canada in 10x10 km cells.