Southern Ontario remained unscathed, but abnormal dryness and drought gained a larger foothold in the Central Region in July.
The latest Canadian Drought Monitor map, reflecting conditions as of the end of July, shows most agricultural areas from southwestern Ontario through the Golden Horseshoe and into eastern Ontario outside any drought classification.
However, almost one-third (31%) of the agricultural lands in the overall Central Region - which includes both Ontario and Quebec – were nonetheless being impacted by abnormal dryness or some form of drought as of the end of July, up from just 5% at the end of June, the monitor said.
Across Ontario and Quebec, July precipitation generally ranged from 60% to 115% of average, although conditions varied widely. Eastern Ontario was among the wetter areas, with several major storm systems bringing heavy rainfall and localized flooding around Ottawa. On the other hand, parts of northwestern Ontario, northeastern Quebec, and the Quebec City area received only 40% to 60% of normal precipitation.
Northwestern Ontario saw some of the sharpest deterioration. Two consecutive months of below-normal rainfall, combined with above-normal temperatures, reduced soil moisture and streamflow, and contributed to a severe wildfire season.
Dryness also persisted in northern and southwestern Quebec. Areas along eastern Hudson Bay and near the St. Lawrence River received less than 40% of normal July rainfall, while regions bordering Labrador continued to experience below-normal precipitation and warmer-than-normal temperatures.
