Drought eases in the eastern prairies; worsens in the West |

Prairie Weather (Rural Roots Canada) – Despite winter snow, drought remains on the prairies

The latest update to the Canadian Drought Monitor shows widespread moderate drought in southern and central Alberta, and southwestern Saskatchewan, where for most of the winter, the ground has been bare:

Courtesy: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Peace Region

The Peace Region, spanning both British Columbia and Alberta, has seen noteworthy improvements recently. In the southern Peace region near Dawson Creek, conditions of Moderate and Severe Drought were reduced following a period of above-normal precipitation. In Northern Alberta, the Peace River region also saw a notable reduction in Severe Drought, with precipitation totals reaching 85% to 200% of normal levels.

Alberta

Southern Alberta remains vulnerable. Some areas did get substantial precipitation in February – up to 200 percent of average. However, the regions closest to the US border received less than 60 percent, exacerbating the drought. Much of the snow that fell in Alberta in February evaporated on sunny, warm days and never had a chance to soak into the soil. So, even in areas where snowfall was above average, drought conditions actually worsened. The area of Moderate Drought across south central and southeastern Alberta has expanded. Southern Alberta may yet be saved this spring by mountain runoff.

Saskatchewan and Manitoba

Saskatchewan experienced a sharp divide between its eastern and western sectors. Western areas remained dry, particularly near Kindersley, which received less than 40% of its normal precipitation. This, coupled with warm temperatures and snowpack loss, led to the development of Moderate Drought in those areas. Conversely, central and northern Saskatchewan saw widespread moisture (120-200% of normal), which allowed for the removal of Extreme Drought near La Ronge and a significant reduction in Severe Drought coverage.

Manitoba has seen the most widespread recovery. In Southern Manitoba, precipitation was near or above normal, reducing the extent of Abnormally Dry conditions. The central and northern portions of the province received well above average precipitation, sometimes exceeding 200%. This moisture was sufficient to remove pockets of Extreme Drought in both east-central and northern Manitoba, reflecting a broad trend of improvement across the province.

For the detailed report, click on the caption below the map above.

Snow is on the way for parched prairie regions over the next few days. Read about it here: Prairie Weather This Week – Midweek Update March 12