Current drought conditions - agriculture.canada.ca

Description of the image above.

The map above shows the extent and severity of drought conditions across Canada. The scale used runs from D0 Abnormally dry to D4 Exceptional drought.

Download a high resolution map and narrative (PDF Version, 773 KB) suitable for printing.

September 2025 Drought Assessment

National Overview

In September drought conditions continued to deteriorate throughout much of Canada. As of September 30, a large majority of Canada was classified as Abnormally Dry or in drought with areas of each province and territory experiencing Extreme Drought (D3). Monthly mean temperatures were well above normal across Western Canada and the territories, while in Eastern Canada temperatures were slightly above normal. Precipitation was below normal for much of the country with coastal British Columbia and the southeastern prairies being the only regions recording above normal monthly precipitation. Dry and hot conditions resulted in continued expansion of drought extent and severity throughout much of the country.

At the end of the month, 85% of the country was classified as Abnormally Dry (D0) or Moderate to Extreme Drought (D1 to D3), including 76% of the country's agricultural landscape.

Pacific Region (BC)

British Columbia experienced an extremely hot September with temperatures more than 5°C above normal. Many locations throughout the province broke daily maximum temperature record including Vancouver, Kelowna, Cranbrook, Williams Lake, and Dease Lake. Much of the province including the north-northeast, the central and southern Interior, the Similkameen, and the Kootenays received 25 to 50% of normal September precipitation. Some regions recorded below 25% of normal including Kelowna (5.9%), Kamloops (14.2%) and Cranbrook (19.3). Continued poor precipitation and warm temperatures lead to increased drought. In contrast, coastal areas saw higher amounts of precipitation, ranging from 125 to 200% of normal, including the North Coast, southern Haida Gwaii, Central Coast, Sunshine Coast, and northern Vancouver Island.

As a result of increased precipitation drought conditions improved in coastal regions of British Columbia including the removal of Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions along the western Coastline and northern portions of Vancouver Island. However, drought conditions degraded across much of southern, Central Interior, eastern, and northern British Columbia. In southern British Columbia Moderate(D1) and Severe (D2) drought expanded, and a new Extreme Drought (D3) pocket emerged in the southern Thompson-Okanogan region due to both long and short-term precipitation deficits. Extreme high temperatures and well below normal precipitation over the last 90 days through the central Interior resulted in the expansion of Severe Drought (D2) and the development of Extreme Drought (D3). Extreme Drought (D3) continued, along with the emergence of a small Exceptional Drought (D4) region around Dawson Creek in the northeast where four years of below normal precipitation and warm temperatures have resulted in extremely poor soil moisture and severe water shortages. The City of Dawson Creek has entered Stage 3 conservation measures, with officials stating the reservoir only contains water supplies for another 150 days. The Kiskatinaw River is the only source of water for the city, and the continuing drought conditions may force the city to find a new source of water. Drought conditions have resulted in localized yield reductions and feed supply concerns in many locations across the province.

At the end of the month, 75% of the Pacific Region was classified as Abnormally Dry (D0) or in Moderate to Exceptional Drought (D1 to D4), including 96% of the region's agricultural landscape.

Prairie Region (AB, SK, MB)

Warm and dry conditions dominated much of the western Prairies, while the eastern Prairies received above normal precipitation and more seasonal temperatures through September. Temperatures were generally 2 to 5 °C above normal across all 3 provinces with the warmest temperatures being recorded in Alberta. Nearly all of Alberta and western Saskatchewan received less than 25% of normal precipitation this month. However, eastern Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba received above normal precipitation, including a portion of southeastern Saskatchewan and parts of southwestern Manitoba, where localized storms brought up to 200% of normal precipitation. Overall, drought persisted and expanded in the western Prairies while moderate improvement occurred in eastern Saskatchewan and southeastern Manitoba.

In Alberta, precipitation was limited across most of the province received less than 25% of normal precipitation, except for small regions in, southwest, west-central, and northwest Alberta where precipitation was 60 to 115% of normal. Below 10% of normal monthly precipitation was recorded in Banff, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, and Lloydminster. In southern Alberta short-term dryness contributed to the expansion of Abnormally Dry (D0) and Moderate Drought (D1); however, the Moderate Drought (D1) pocket near Medicine Hat was removed. Central Alberta experienced degrading conditions and intensification of drought. Central portions of the province experienced an expansion of Abnormally Dry (D0) and Moderate Drought (D1), and a new Severe Drought (D2) pocket southwest of Red Deer. Severe (D2) and Extreme (D3) drought expanded around Edmonton, Lloydminster, and Cold Lake. Extreme Drought (D3) was also added east of Edmonton and north of Fort Saskatchewan based on both short- and long-term indicators. Farmers in Ponoka and surrounding regions reported parched soils, requiring extensive supplemental irrigation. The drought continues to impact feed availability and pasture conditions negatively. Northern Alberta experienced the most severe intensification of drought conditions. The Peace region and north-central Alberta experienced an expansion of Severe (D2) and Extreme (D3) droughts, while two Exceptional (D4) drought pockets emerged northwest of Grande Prairie and near Peace River. Combined with prolonged above-average temperatures, the region faces significant impacts on its agricultural, livestock, and water resources, including low soil moisture, reduced forage availability, and heightened wildfire risk.

In Saskatchewan, western areas received less than 40% of normal precipitation in September. In contrast, central and eastern regions recorded near- to above-normal rainfall, with pockets in the southeast exceeding 200% of normal precipitation due to localized storm events. In southern Saskatchewan, drought conditions improved in areas east of Regina, extending toward the Manitoba border, following recent rainfall events which improved short-term dryness. In central Saskatchewan there was a slight expansion of Severe Drought (D2) areas and the emergence of three pockets of Extreme Drought (D3) west of North Battleford, around Buffalo Narrows and around La Ronge. In northern Saskatchewan, Severe Drought (D2) expanded as northern areas were drier relative to seasonal normal.

In Manitoba, southern regions received 100 to 200% of normal precipitation, while the Interlake region saw 40% to 85% of normal. Northern Manitoba remained relatively dry, with much of the area receiving less than 60% of normal rainfall. As a result, southern Manitoba experienced improved drought conditions due to significant mid-month rainfall events. Localized thunderstorms brought over 100 mm of rain to areas surrounding Steinbach. This rainfall alleviated Moderate (D1) conditions from Portage la Prairie to Steinbach. Overall, the extreme southeast shows signs of recovery, with improved moisture replenishing topsoil conditions, improving streamflow and easing stress on agricultural lands. In central Manitoba areas west of Lake Winnipeg, through the Swan River to Dauphin, saw reduction in Moderate (D1) conditions due to rainfall which helped to alleviate longer-term precipitation deficits. Additionally Severe Drought (D2) areas were reduced, and a pocket of Severe Drought (D3) was removed, however the Severe Drought (D3) near Flin Flon remained but with reduced area. Northern Manitoba saw minimal changes to drought conditions with Moderate (D1) to Severe (D2) drought maintained due to short term dryness.

At the end of the month, 83% of the Prairie Region was classified as Abnormally Dry (D0) or in Moderate to Exceptional Drought (D1 to D4), including 64% of the region's agricultural landscape.

Central Region (ON, QC)

Temperatures were near normal across much of the Central Region in September, with slightly warmer temperatures in northwestern Ontario and northern Quebec. Most of Ontario and Quebec received less than 60% of normal monthly precipitation, with some areas in northwestern and eastern Ontario, as well as eastern Quebec, including the Gaspé Region, receiving less than 40% of normal precipitation. Near normal precipitation was received in limited areas around Toronto and areas south of Montreal.

In Ontario, short-term dryness has led to the expansion of drought conditions in September. In southern Ontario Abnormally Dry (D0) and Moderate Drought (D1) expanded. Eastern Ontario saw the expansion of Severe Drought (D2), additionally 3 new pockets of Extreme Drought (D3) emerged north of Orilla, north of Peterborough and from Kingston towards Ottawa. Eastern Ontario faced critically low water supplies, prompting Level 3 low-water advisories across several watersheds and urging residents to reduce their water use by half. Farmers reported major drought impacts, including a reduction of pumpkin yields by as much as 70% and reduced apple crops. Irrigated and deep-rooted orchards fared better, but corn and other crops suffered from the hot, dry summer. Dry conditions have helped harvest completion however, dry soils are not optimal for fall-seeded crops. Late September rain provided brief relief, though soil moisture remains too low for seedling fall crops. In northwestern Ontario, Abnormally Dry (D0) to Severe Drought (D2) conditions expanded because of growing short-term precipitation percentiles. Additionally, new areas of Severe Drought (D2) emerged southeast of James Bay south towards southern Ontario.

In Quebec, drought expanded and intensified this month. Abnormally Dry (D0) to Severe Drought (D2) expanded in southern Quebec and Extreme Drought (D3) emerged Extreme Drought (D3) in the Gaspe Region and near Val d’Or. Northern Quebec saw the expansion of Abnormally Dry (D0) to Moderate Drought (D1). Most of the province received less than 60% of the normal monthly precipitation, with the Eastern and Gaspé Regions recording below 40%, although areas south of Montreal received near-normal precipitation. Dry conditions aided harvest completion but left soils too dry for fall-seeded crops, raising concerns for next season’s yield potential.

At the end of the month, 87% of the Central Region was classified as Abnormally Dry (D0) or in Moderate to Extreme Drought (D1 to D3), including 97% of the region's agricultural landscape.

Atlantic Region (NS, NB, PE, NL)

Atlantic Canada continued to be much drier than normal, with widespread precipitation deficits and only brief relief from late-month rainfall. Most of Nova Scotia, eastern Labrador, and parts of eastern New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island received less than 40% of normal precipitation, while much of New Brunswick and western Newfoundland saw less than 60%. Scattered showers along Newfoundland’s eastern coast brought localised improvement, but overall conditions remained dry. Newfoundland remained notably drier, with western areas below 60% and eastern areas below 40% of normal. Many regions across Atlantic Canada have recorded one of the driest July, August, September periods on record, including Amherst, Greenwood, Truro and Summerside recording the driest on record, Moncton, Saint John, Charlottetown the second driest on record, Halifax third driest on record. Overall, the Atlantic region saw an increase in the severity and extent of drought. Widespread Agriculture and hydrological impacts were reported, including stressed crops and significantly reduced yields for apples, corn, silage, beans, carrots, and blueberries, pumpkins and potatoes. September typically marks a period of soil moisture recovery and water supply recharge; however, this was not the case across much of the region this month. Several areas continued to meet the threshold for Extreme (D3) to Exceptional (D4) drought based on indicators and observed impacts.

In New Brunswick, drought extent and severity expanded in September with much of the province in Severe Drought (D2) or Extreme Drought (D3). Extreme Drought (D3) stretched across eastern parts of the province; as well as area of Exceptional Drought (D4) which emerged in the southeast where continued precipitation deficits have resulted in significant drought impacts. Drought impacts include significant reductions in crop yield cross major commodities, such as forage, corn, potatoes, and blueberries, due to prolonged dryness and heat stress. Orchardists noted smaller fruit and premature fruit drop, while livestock producers faced rising feed costs and increased dependence on U.S. imports. In term of hydrological impacts, municipal water supplies are strained, with Saint John’s Loch Lomond watershed falling nearly one metre and reports of wells running dry, particularly on Grand Manan Island. Surface and groundwater levels remained critically low, with many stations below the 10th percentile. A late-month rainfall event brought 35 to 40mm of precipitation to the Fredericton area offering some relief, but not enough to overcome existing impacts. On Prince Edward Island, drought conditions remained relatively unchanged, with Extreme Drought (D3) still covering the entire province. Nova Scotia endured one of its driest late-summer periods on record. Most of the province received less than 40% of normal precipitation. Precipitation deficits were largest along the Bay of Fundy and the western half of the province, as a result Extreme Drought (D3) expanded across much of the province and a pocket of Exceptional Drought (D4) emerged in parts of the southwest. Impacts have included reduced crop yield, reduced size and premature fruit drop. Additionally, low water levels have led to brooks and streams drying out. Halifax Water imposed mandatory restrictions for parts of Dartmouth and surrounding communities, while other municipalities, such as West Hants, maintained water bans. Overall, agricultural, ecological, and water supply systems remain under severe stress. In Newfoundland and Labrador drought conditions expanded. In Newfoundland, eastern areas saw the expansion of Severe Drought (D2) and minor edits to Extreme Drought (D3) that is now across the Avalon Peninsula. Late-month rainfall of 10 to 20 mm on the Avalon provided some short-term relief, but not enough to offset long-term deficits. Similarly, western areas of Newfoundland also saw the expansion of Moderate Drought (D1) conditions and the emergence of a pocket of Severe Drought (D2) across the Northern Peninsula. The municipality of Hughes Brooks in northwestern Newfoundland declared a state of emergency as its reservoir dropped to critically low levels. In Labrador, Abnormally Dry (D0) to Moderate Drought (D1) expanded across much of the region, additionally a large area of Moderate Drought (D2) emerged along the southern coastline.

At the end of the month, 99% of the Atlantic Region was classified as Abnormally Dry (D0) or in Moderate to Exceptional Drought (D1 to D4), including 100% of the region's agricultural landscape.

Northern Region (YK, NWT)

In September, an early month heat event across the Yukon and Northwest Territories resulting in monthly average temperatures 3 °C above normal. Monthly average temperatures exceeded 5 °C above normal in parts of southeastern Yukon and southern portions of the Northwest Territories. Below-normal precipitation was received across southern parts of the Yukon and Northwest Territories. In central areas of both the territories precipitation was near to above normal. In northern Yukon precipitation was above normal, with areas north of Old Crow receiving 125 to 200% of normal precipitation. Whereas, across much of the northern parts of the Northwest Territories precipitation was below 50% of normal precipitation.

In Yukon, early month heat alongside continued precipitation deficits led to the expansion of drought conditions. Abnormally Dry (D0) and Moderate (D1) conditions expanded across much of the southern and central regions. Additionally, the Severe Drought (D2) pocket around Whitehorse in southwest Yukon persisted. Improvements were observed in the northernmost parts of the Yukon, where recent above normal precipitation led to the removal of Moderate Drought (D1). Conversely, in the Northwest Territories, Abnormally Dry (D0) to Severe Drought (D2) conditions expanded across southern and central areas due to high temperatures, growing precipitation deficits and ongoing low surface water levels. Additionally, in southern areas drought impacts necessitate the maintenance of Extreme Drought (D3) areas. Long-term drought conditions in the Northwest Territories have contributed to low river and lake levels in southern regions. Northern areas saw an expansion from Abnormally Dry (D0) to Moderate Drought (D1) conditions, and the emergence of a pocket of Severe Drought (D2) west of Great Bear Lake near Norman Wells, which emerged as a result of deepening short-term precipitation deficits.

At the end of the month, 85% of the Northern Region was classified as Abnormally Dry (D0) or in Moderate to Extreme Drought (D1 to D3).

Key Drought Indicators

These are a few of the products that were converged to create this assessment. They may provide additional understanding of drought conditions.