Improved moisture conditions across much of Canada in April reduced drought severity in key agricultural regions, according to the latest monitoring data from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

The federal department reported that near to above-normal precipitation across much of the Prairies and Eastern Canada helped improve soil moisture conditions and reduce drought classifications in several provinces. Large portions of central and northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba received more than double their normal precipitation during the month.

Agricultural areas in Alberta also saw better conditions, particularly in central and northern regions where above-normal precipitation eased dry conditions. However, some localized dry areas remained in the province’s southwest and Peace regions where soil moisture levels stayed below normal.

As of the end of April, 27 per cent of Canada was classified as abnormally dry or in moderate to severe drought, including 20 per cent of agricultural land. That marked an improvement from earlier in the year when drought covered a much larger share of the country.

Saskatchewan recorded widespread improvement after significant precipitation and late-April snowfall reduced dry conditions in many parts of the province. Areas previously classified under severe drought in southern Saskatchewan were removed from that category. Manitoba also experienced improving moisture conditions across most regions, helped by both precipitation and spring runoff.

Ontario and Quebec saw broad improvement as above-normal winter precipitation, spring rainfall and snowmelt boosted moisture reserves. In Ontario, only small pockets of abnormally dry conditions remained by the end of April. Excess moisture in parts of western and southern Ontario delayed some spring fieldwork.

Conditions were less favourable in British Columbia, where much of the province received below-normal precipitation during April. Large areas of southern and central B.C. recorded less than 40 per cent of normal precipitation, leading to worsening drought conditions in some regions.

The Atlantic region generally received near to above-normal precipitation, improving drought conditions in parts of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Nova Scotia experienced mixed conditions, with some areas improving while others became drier.

Agriculture Canada stated that weather patterns through spring and early summer will continue to play a major role in crop development and soil moisture conditions as producers move further into the growing season.