Despite generally less precipitation than normal, abnormal dryness and drought actually ticked lower in Ontario and Quebec in May.
The latest monthly update of the Canadian drought monitor shows just 3% of the agricultural lands in the Central Region – which includes both Ontario and Quebec – were affected by abnormal dryness or some form of drought as of the end of last month. That’s 4 points below the end of April and down sharply from 45% in March and 85% in February.
As shown on the map below, all of Ontario – except for two small pockets in more northern areas – was completely free of abnormal dryness and drought at the end of May.
Precipitation was generally below normal across the two provinces through May, although the Niagara Peninsula and parts of central Quebec were notable exceptions. Major storm systems crossed Ontario on May 12, 17, and 23, bringing record daily rainfall in some areas, including 61 mm at Grimsby and 55.6 mm in Toronto.
Parts of northwestern Ontario and northwestern Quebec received less than 40% of normal precipitation, while larger areas saw only 40% to 60% of normal. However, the dry May conditions did not lead to significant deterioration, as longer-term precipitation accumulations continued to support adequate soil moisture, streamflow and surface water supplies across most of the region, the monitor said.
Temperatures were slightly cooler than normal, generally 1 to 2°C below average, although day-to-day conditions were highly variable. A May 18 warm spell brought record temperatures to several Ontario locations.
Click here to see more...