With planters rolling, dryness concerns have largely disappeared across Ontario and Quebec.
According to the latest monthly update of the Canadian drought monitor, just 7% 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 down sharply from 45% in March, 85% in February, and 97% at the end of 2025.
Above-normal precipitation throughout April played a major role in the dramatic improvement, with much of Ontario and Quebec receiving between 85% and more than 200% of normal precipitation. Seasonal temperatures also helped preserve soil moisture, while snowmelt replenished rivers, reservoirs and subsoil reserves heading into the spring planting season, the monitor said.
Southern Ontario saw some of the wettest conditions in the region, with repeated rainfall events leaving many fields saturated and delaying spring fieldwork in some areas.
The wetter pattern also contributed to rising water levels and localized flooding concerns in some parts of the province, particularly in northwestern Ontario where rapid snowmelt combined with heavy precipitation. Flood watches were issued in several regions as runoff increased through the month.
Despite the broad improvement, some short-term dryness developed late in April in eastern Ontario as warmer, windier weather increased evaporation rates. That dryness temporarily heightened wildfire concerns and led to fire bans in some local areas, although overall soil moisture conditions remained favourable for crop development and planting prospects.
