As of August 18, 2026
The intent of this report is to provide timely information on regional agroclimate conditions, risks, and impacts across Canada. For more information visit the AAFC website: www.agr.gc.ca/drought.
The next update is September 22, 2026.
National Overview
- The most significant climate-related agricultural risk this reporting period is drought conditions in British Columbia. In the central interior and Okanagan regions, wildfires and low surface water levels have resulted in crop stress, field access concerns, and severe water restrictions. Recent flooding in Ontario and ongoing issues from early season flooding in Manitoba continue to be a concern.
- Extremely high temperatures in parts of the country have accelerated crop development and contributed to severe weather events that caused localized damage to field crops and infrastructure. Above normal temperatures (compared to 1991-2020 averages) are forecast to continue across Canada over the next four weeks.
- Precipitation is expected to be above normal across southern Prairies and northwestern Ontario. High temperatures combined with low precipitation may worsen drought and wildfire conditions in parts of Western Canada.
30 Day Precipitation Percentiles (As of August 17, 2026)
Precipitation Percentiles (in past 30 days, as of August 17, 2026), high-resolution image (5 MB JPG)
- Precipitation over the last 30 days has been extremely high across parts of Eastern Canada, particularly around Ottawa. High precipitation was received around Edmonton, parts of central Alberta, southeastern Saskatchewan, and southwestern Manitoba.
- Extremely low precipitation was received in the Central Interior of British Columbia, and also central Saskatchewan. Low precipitation was received in east-central Saskatchewan, central and southern Manitoba, southeastern Quebec, and parts of New Brunswick.
Canadian Drought Monitor (as of July 31, 2026)
Canadian Drought Monitor, conditions as of July 31, 2026, high-resolution image (5 MB JPG)
- In July, drought intensified across some agricultural regions. At the end of the month, 23% of the country's agricultural landscape was classified as Abnormally Dry (D0) or drought compared to 13% in June.
- Southern British Columbia continues to be the biggest concern, exceptionally low precipitation and above-average temperatures have resulted in declining streamflow, water scarcity concerns, extreme wildfire risk, and the emergence of Exceptional Drought (D4) in the southern interior.
Regional Conditions
- British Columbia
- Hot and dry conditions persisted across British Columbia into mid-August. Several locations in the southern interior recorded above-normal temperatures in July. Kelowna and Vernon experienced one of their warmest and driest Julys on record. By the end of July, 84% of BC's agricultural landscape was classified as Abnormally Dry (D0) or in Drought (D1-D4). Extreme drought expanded substantially and 12% of BC was classified as Extreme (D3) or Exceptional (D4) Drought.
- Much of the Okanagan received less than 5 mm of rainfall in July and remained largely dry through mid-August. As a result, streamflows and water supplies have declined sharply, with several rivers reaching record lows. Okanagan Lake is at its lowest level in more than 80 years of record.
- Water restrictions remain in place for much of the southern interior with several jurisdictions having strengthened existing measures, including limiting irrigation for forage crops and some industrial uses.
- On August 8, British Columbia declared a State of Provincial Emergency due to wildfires. Four wildfires of note remain active in the southern interior. More than 21,000 people are under evacuation order, and another 11,000 on evacuation alert. Eleven wildfires are currently affecting agriculture, impacting approximately 50,000 animals.
- Yield reductions are expected in several regions, due to dry conditions, including the Okanagan, Peace, and Vanderhoof areas. It has been reported that water restrictions have forced some Okanagan producers to abandon seasonal crops in order to preserve long-term fruit tree production.
- Forage crops are particularly affected by drought and wildfire, while pasture conditions continue to deteriorate. Declining forage quality is making it difficult for ranchers to maintain herd sizes. Drought stress is also increasing the vulnerability of crops and livestock to pests, disease, and extreme heat.
- Alberta
- Most major crops are in good to excellent condition with average or above average yields expected, particularly in southern and central Alberta. Crop conditions in the northwest have improved significantly but remain slightly below the five-year average.
- Over the past four weeks, Alberta has experienced contrasting precipitation patterns. Areas north of Edmonton received average to well above-average precipitation, while regions south of Edmonton received less than 40% of normal rainfall. Edmonton recorded its second consecutive month of exceptionally high precipitation, receiving 324% of normal rainfall in July.
- Several counties in central Alberta have declared agricultural disaster due to high precipitation, flooding, and localized crop damage. While the full financial impact is not yet known, producers expect significant losses this growing season.
- Wildfire risk is increasing, particularly in the south where abnormally dry conditions emerged in July and a number of municipalities have been placed under fire bans.
- Saskatchewan
- Precipitation during the reporting period was well below average across most of the province, except in the northwest. Despite limited rainfall, about 50% of cropland, hay land, and pasture had adequate moisture as of August 10. However, moisture conditions in the southwest continued to deteriorate, with 80% of cropland rated short to very short.
- Temperatures over the past four weeks were well above normal, particularly in the south where large regions were up to 3°C warmer than average. Prolonged heat waves have increased crop stress, and canola is particularly vulnerable at this time of year.
- Recent hot weather accelerated crop development, and most crops are now at normal seasonal stages. Dry conditions have also allowed producers to begin harvesting early seeded crops and winter cereals. As of August 10, provincial harvest progress was 2%, with most activity occurring in the southwest.
- Wildfire activity remains elevated in the north, while wildfire risk continues to increase in the southwest, where several municipalities have implemented fire bans.
- Manitoba
- Precipitation over the past four weeks was well below average across most of the province, except in the southwest. Topsoil moisture declined rapidly due to limited rainfall and, as of August 9, ranged from optimal to dry across most areas, with few wet conditions remaining.
- Dry conditions have significantly reduced flooded areas over the past month. However, due to high moisture levels earlier in the year, some field and infrastructure repairs are still required, particularly in the northwest. Field access remains challenging in areas affected by washouts, although many roads are now passable.
- Overall forage yields are reported as average to above average. However, areas affected by excess moisture continue to experience crop stress and soil crusting, raising concerns about winter feed supplies.
- Temperatures over the past four weeks were well above average, particularly in the south, where large areas were up to 3°C above normal. The prolonged heat accelerated crop development, with some crops maturing faster than expected.
- Strong thunderstorms moved across southern parts of the province in late July, bringing heavy rainfall, damaging wind gusts, and frequent lightning.
- Ontario
- Over the past four weeks, precipitation was near to above normal across much of Ontario, except in the northwest, where dry conditions persisted, particularly along the Manitoba border.
- The Niagara region received exceptionally high rainfall, resulting in flooding from major storms in late July and mid-August. These storms also brought localized flooding, strong winds, hail, and reports of tornadoes.
- July temperatures were near to slightly above normal across most of Ontario, although parts of southern Ontario were slightly cooler than average.
- Winter wheat harvest is well underway, and harvest is complete across much of southern Ontario.
- Near to below-average yields are expected for most major crops, while soybean yields are projected to be above average.
- Quebec
- Near-normal temperatures and above average precipitation over the past four weeks have benefited Quebec producers. Crops are progressing well and should be within the 5-year average.
- Soil conditions remain adequate for much of the province, although much of the southeast received well below average precipitation over the past four weeks.
- Crop development is generally good, and recent rains have relieved much of the crop stress that was seen in previous months.
- Some major storms caused localized flood concerns and the town of L'Ascension declared a state of emergency in early August after over 100 mm washed away roads in the area.
- Winter wheat harvest is nearly completed, and spring wheat will not be far behind as more than half the area is considered mature, well ahead of previous years.
- Atlantic Region
- Over the past four weeks, precipitation was average to above average across most of Atlantic Canada, except in New Brunswick and parts of northwestern Nova Scotia, where conditions were drier than normal. Summer precipitation has generally been near to above average, although New Brunswick remains slightly below average.
- An extended heat wave affected the region during this reporting period, bringing thunderstorms and localized heavy rainfall. Temperatures were hot and humid in early July before easing to near normal by month-end. Cooler conditions continued into August, resulting in below-average temperatures over the past four weeks, particularly along Newfoundland's east coast.
- Overall field crop and forage conditions are good. Corn remains shorter than normal in some areas due to the cool, wet spring, though recent heat has improved growth. Soybean development has also benefited from warmer conditions. Winter wheat and barley harvest has begun.
- Blueberry crop conditions have improved significantly due to timely July rainfall and favourable temperatures. While some fields continue to show lingering effects of last year's drought, berry development and sizing have exceeded earlier expectations. Commercial harvest is expected to increase in early August.
Forecast
- The temperature forecast for the rest of August into September includes above-normal temperatures across much of Canada with the strongest probability in the Central and Atlantic regions. The southern prairies forecast above-average precipitation while northern Manitoba and the Maritime region are projected below average.
- The seasonal forecast for September through November is for above normal temperatures across all of Canada. Seasonal precipitation indicates drier than normal conditions across much British Columbia, northern Alberta, and parts of the Maritimes. Above-average precipitation is forecast across the southern Prairies and northwest Ontario.
- The persistence of warmer-than-normal temperatures should provide good windows for harvest; however, the forecast of moisture may limit these windows. More moisture is needed in regions impacted by drought in order to allow crops to reach highest possible yields.
This report was created with help from our network of Agroclimate Impact Reporter volunteers. Each month, they help us report on current conditions and weather-related risks to Canada's agriculture sector. Join the network if you are interested in becoming an Agroclimate Impact Reporter.