Calgary, Alberta (Rural Roots Canada) – Drought conditions have worsened in all three prairie provinces

The Canadian Drought Monitor has released its latest report, and considering the lack of large scale, prolonged precipitation events in October, it’s not a surprise to see an expansion of drought across the prairies, and across Canada.

According to the Drought Monitor, below normal precipitation, poor soil moisture, and low streamflow caused drought conditions to expand through west central and southern Alberta, and southwestern Saskatchewan.    With above  average October precipitation in southeastern Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba, those areas remained out of drought.

Across the prairies, 82 percent of the region is either abnormally dry or in drought, including 68 percent of agricultural land.

By comparison, across the entire country, 84 percent is classified as abnormally dry or in drought. including 80% of the agricultural landscape.

And for further perspective, 100 percent of the Atlantic region is dry or in drought.

An area of exceptional drought remains in the Peace Region, and a new area of extreme drought developed between Edmonton and Calgary, due to October precipitation being less than 40 percent of the long term average.  Drought regions also expanded across southern Alberta, southwestern and south-central Saskatchewan.

The Drought Monitor notes that much of southern Manitoba was taken out of drought status after receiving more than twice the normal amount of October precipitation.

With winter on the way,  and soil moisture levels so low, farmers and ranchers are dependent upon winter snow, and spring rain to provide relief in time for seeding.

SEE ALSO:  Prairie Weather This Week – Midweek Update Nov 13