Average degree-days (base of 0, 5 or 10 °C) accumulated between April 1 and October 31. The calculation is based on the period from 1979 to 2008 (30 years).
This analysis was based on temperature values interpolated at 10 km using the ANUSPLIN method, based on data from the Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs du Québec and from Environment Canada.
Cumulative thermal units are used in the agriculture field to evaluate the development of vegetables and pests during the growing season. They are based on the close relationship between their development and the temperature. Cumulative thermal units can be used to predict when certain major stages of development will be reached, such as the flowering date, maturity at harvest and peak insect population (CRAAQ, 2012).