Map: Prairie Dryness and Drought Expands in June Amid Mixed Weather

Abnormal dryness and drought increased across the Prairies in June, despite some parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan being hit with heavy rain. 

The latest monthly Canadian drought monitor on Thursday showed 83% of Prairie agricultural lands being impacted by abnormal dryness or some form of drought as of the end of June. That’s up 11 points from the end of May and up sharply from just 41% in April. 

June brought a dramatic mix of weather to the Prairies, delivering both drought relief and deepening dryness depending on location. While central Alberta and parts of west-central Saskatchewan received heavy rainfall — over 100 mm in some areas between June 20 and 22 — much of the region remained parched.  

Northern and southeastern Alberta, much of Manitoba, and southern Saskatchewan received less than 60% of normal precipitation. In contrast, some central Saskatchewan areas were drenched with over 150% of the norm.  

In Alberta, the late-June rains improved conditions in the southern foothills and areas east of Banff National Park, but drought severity worsened across central and northern parts of the province. Edmonton’s surrounding areas slipped deeper into moderate drought, and a large swath of northern Alberta fell into severe drought. Southeastern Alberta, from Medicine Hat to the Saskatchewan border, also saw conditions deteriorate into extreme drought.