Dry trend remains despite end-of-June rainfall

Posted on July 24, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

Southern Alberta Newspapers

Heavy rain at the end of June lessened drought conditions in some parts of southern Alberta, but didn’t reverse a long-term dry trend, according to new analysis from Agriculture Canada.

Southwest Saskatchewan received only one-quarter the rain of a typical year, while southeast Alberta still received less than normal amounts of precipitation last month – typically the rainiest month of the year in the region, which is still experiencing “abnormally dry to extreme drought” conditions.

“Despite the mid-month rain event, much of the southern Prairies experienced very dry conditions in June, resulting in a significant increase in drought severity and extent,” stated the Canadian Drought Monitor report, released earlier this month for conditions up to June 30.

“Moderate to Extreme Drought emerged in the southeastern corner of the province, from Medicine Hat to the Saskatchewan border.”

That band extends to Swift Current, which experienced the 11th driest June on record.

“Southwestern Saskatchewan experienced the most significant drought degradation this month, where less than 25 per cent of normal rainfall was reported.”

That led some rural municipalities, like Maple Creek and Fox Valley, to declare states of agricultural emergency as conditions downgraded quickly.

Northern Alberta also saw conditions worsen.

Overall 87 per cent of the prairie region was classified as abnormally dry or above.

“Drought in Alberta both improved and worsened in June, with improvements across southern parts of the province and widespread degradation in central and northern regions.”