October Brings Only Isolated Drought Improvement

There was improvement in some pockets, but October precipitation did little to improve long-term drought conditions across much of Western Canada, according to the latest monthly update of the Canadian drought monitor.

In fact, the majority of the western Prairies received near-normal to below-normal precipitation during the month, which worsened drought conditions, particularly across eastern Alberta and western Saskatchewan, where 40 to 60% of normal precipitation fell. Although any precipitation was welcome, the amounts were generally too little to alleviate the impacts of the dry growing season, the monitor said.

As of the end of October, extreme to exceptional drought remained entrenched across much of central Alberta and Saskatchewan as well as southern Manitoba, as these areas have not yet recovered from the significant moisture deficits of the past one to two years (see map below). Zero sub-surface soil moisture was also reported across many parts of the region, as concern continues to grow for next year’s growing season.

But while most Prairie areas remain in significant drought, some select locations received above-normal monthly precipitation in October. Much of the precipitation fell in western Alberta, southern Saskatchewan and along the Manitoba-US border, helping to improve the drought situation in those areas. Things were particularly wet in Emerson, Man., which reported its wettest October on record with more than 400% of normal precipitation falling during the month.

As the 2021 growing season came to a close, many farmers across the Prairies reported some of the worst crop conditions they've ever seen, with yields in many areas only about one-third of normal. Agricultural producers also experienced poor seed harvests which could lead to seed shortages for the next growing season.

Altogether, the Prairie provinces have committed to paying $317 million as a part of the AgriRecovery program, with the most committed in Alberta and Saskatchewan. As of the end of October, 8,500, 7,500 and 118 claims have been made in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, respectively.