Eastern Canada faces growing drought crisis after dry start to summer

Eastern Canada is facing a growing drought crisis after experiencing significantly less rainfall than usual since the start of summer, officials say.

Cities including Toronto, Halifax, and St. John’s have recorded just 50 percent or less of their normal rainfall since June 1, with many areas seeing no measurable rain at all this month. The dry conditions are prompting water conservation efforts and raising concerns about the impact on agriculture and wildfire risks.

In Nova Scotia, Halifax Water urged residents to conserve water voluntarily as reservoirs dwindle. “Due to a long period of dry weather, water supply levels are expected to worsen in the coming days,” the utility said.


Meteorologist Ross Hull explained that while scientists cannot yet directly link the current dry spell to climate change, warming global temperatures contribute to more frequent extreme weather, including both droughts and floods.

“We’ve experienced both of those weather situations over the last couple of years alone,” Hull said.

Environment Canada’s June drought report showed that 62 percent of the country was experiencing “Abnormally Dry” to “Moderate to Extreme Drought” conditions by the end of June, affecting 66 percent of Canada’s agricultural land.

Southern New Brunswick and much of Nova Scotia received less than 85 percent of their normal rainfall in June. Parts of southern Ontario and southwestern Quebec fared better with near or above-average precipitation, though localized drought conditions persisted.

High temperatures in late June accelerated drought conditions in parts of southern and eastern Ontario, causing additional stress on water supplies and crops.

Farmers in affected regions are facing costly irrigation needs to protect their crops, while officials across several provinces have imposed burn bans to reduce wildfire risks amid dry conditions.

“Dry summers like this one would be difficult to sustain every year,” Hull said. “While one heavy thunderstorm can help replenish soil moisture, there is always a risk of flooding if too much rain falls at once, especially on dry ground.”

As the summer continues, water conservation and careful management of resources will be critical to minimize the impact on communities, agriculture, and the environment.