Following weeks of cold and wet conditions, it appears Mother Nature has had a change of heart. The southeast corner, as well as many other parts of the province, are being hit with a "heat wave" in October. 

Farmers in the area hoping this stretch can help them finish off the 2018 harvest season. Crop Extension Specialist with the province, Brent Flaten, echoes those sentiments. 

"We're sure hoping and crossing our fingers that people will be able to finish off in the next week or two, with the nice forecast we have now," Flaten exclaimed.

It's been slow going for much of October, leaving the southeast stuck at 89 percent done harvest. After being well ahead of the five-year average for much of the season, the southeast fell behind on the Crop Report from October 9 to 15. The five-year average for this point is 92 percent. The province as a whole sits at 82 percent finished, with many crops swathed in the field and ready to be combined. 

Other parts of the province, such as the northeast, are using this weather to play catch up. Although, harvest is always tough as you progress into late October, according to Flaten. 

"The challenge at this time of year is that the days are short and it's only warm for a few hours during the day," he said. "It's tough in the morning and it's tough int he evening. Farmers can really only combine for a very short period of time."

Above seasonal temperatures are expected for the next week or so here in the Weyburn area. Flaten speculated that could help producers wrap up harvest before the end of the month. Most crops coming off the field right now is still damp and is being placed in dryers. 

Much of the crop damage in the area this past week was due to lodging from snow and rain. Quality is also expected to downgrade due to bleaching and sprouting. Geese and other animals have also been feeding on swathed crops in the field.