Drought Map, Agriculture Canada Web Image:
FORT McMURRAY — Drought conditions are easing across much of Alberta as improved moisture conditions bring welcome news for farmers and agricultural producers heading into the heart of the growing season.
The latest Canadian Drought Monitor change map, showing conditions as of June 30, indicates improvement across portions of central and northern Alberta, including areas north and west of Edmonton and parts of the province’s agricultural regions.
Some areas improved by one or two drought classes during the latest reporting period, while much of southern and central Alberta remained relatively stable.
The improvement comes after several years of drought conditions affecting agricultural production, water supplies and soil moisture across Western Canada.
The Canadian Drought Monitor is produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and combines precipitation, temperature, streamflow, satellite vegetation data and other indicators to assess drought conditions across the country.
Improving conditions in Alberta could provide a boost for Canada’s agricultural sector at a time when changing geopolitical relationships and global trade patterns are increasing interest in Canadian agricultural products and reliable food suppliers.
Canada is one of the world’s largest exporters of wheat, canola, pulses and other agricultural commodities, making growing conditions across the Prairies an important factor in the country’s ability to respond to changes in global demand.
The latest map shows some of the strongest deterioration in drought conditions occurring along the coast and interior of British Columbia, while improvement is visible across portions of Alberta, Saskatchewan and northern Manitoba.
Conditions remain more concerning in the far north of Alberta and neighbouring portions of the Northwest Territories.
The map shows drought conditions remaining unchanged or deteriorating across areas near Alberta’s northern boundary, while significant deterioration is visible farther north in the Northwest Territories.
Persistent dry conditions in northern Alberta could increase the potential for wildfires to spread rapidly if fires ignite, particularly during periods of hot weather, strong winds and limited rainfall.
Drought can reduce moisture in vegetation, forest fuels and soils, allowing fires to grow more quickly and making suppression efforts more difficult.
The Canadian Drought Monitor uses a five-category system ranging from abnormally dry conditions to exceptional drought.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has produced monthly national drought assessments since 2002, using information from federal, provincial and regional agencies along with consultation from scientists and international partners.
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