A hot, dry July in many parts of the country has led to more drought conditions, especially in the forested areas of northern Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba, northwest Ontario and Northwest Quebec. At the end of July, there were 300 active wildfires burning in Ontario and Quebec generating large plumes of smoke that drifted over southern regions of Canada and parts of the United States.

Nearly 11 per cent of Canada’s agricultural land is classified as being in drought with much of that being in British Columbia.

Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan had the largest rainfall deficits on the Prairies, with Regina and Moose Jaw only receiving 21 per cent of normal July precipitation. Fortunately, spring moisture has managed to maintain most crops and speed up crop development. The agricultural region in the Prairies continues to be largely drought free, with just two percent meeting the official classification.

The above map is produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada