A recent update from the Canadian Drought Monitor reveals that significant portions of the Atlantic region are experiencing severe drought conditions, with Prince Edward Island almost entirely classified as an “extreme drought” area. The report, released by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada using data up to August 31, highlights varying drought levels across the region. While parts of Labrador exhibit normal conditions, areas in Newfoundland range from “abnormally dry” to “exceptional drought,” particularly in regions affected by summer forest fires.
The majority of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are facing drought conditions ranging from “moderate” to “severe.” The report indicates that by the end of August, 72% of the Atlantic Region was either abnormally dry (D0) or experiencing moderate to extreme drought (D1 to D3), with the entire agricultural landscape in the region affected. Precipitation levels in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and southwestern Nova Scotia were below 25% of the average for August.
Notable statistics include the driest August on record for parts of the Annapolis Valley, while Charlottetown and Saint John experienced their third and fourth driest August, respectively. Fredericton, Moncton, and Summerside areas recorded their fifth driest August. The prolonged dry spell has led to the implementation of fire bans, land use restrictions, and water conservation measures to mitigate the impact of water shortages.
In addition to affecting agriculture, the drought has resulted in low water conditions, industrial restrictions in forested areas, and concerns over water supply from below-normal rivers and reservoirs. Municipalities and residents reliant on groundwater have faced water shortages, prompting conservation notices and mandatory restrictions in various communities. The lack of rainfall has left forests and grasslands in the region extremely dry, contributing to wildfires in areas like the Avalon Peninsula.
The situation in Prince Edward Island has worsened significantly compared to the previous month, with the entire province now classified as being in extreme drought conditions, marking a two to three-category jump from July. The lack of precipitation has impacted potato farmers on the island, leading to expectations of reduced crop yields. August rainfall levels across the island ranged from 10 to 35 millimetres, well below the normal average.
Meteorologist Jay Scotland from CBC Prince Edward Island highlighted that most of the island received only half of its normal summer rainfall over June, July, and August. The Charlottetown Airport recording station received 12 millimetres of rain in August, far below the average of 96.3 millimetres for that month. Overall, the three-month summer rainfall total at Charlottetown Airport was approximately 60% of the usual amount, with volunteer station totals across the island ranging from 50% to 70% of the normal range.
Scotland emphasized that summer rainfall on the island is often localized and convective, meaning that the data from Charlottetown Airport may not fully represent rainfall patterns across Prince Edward Island.