According to an agroclimate specialist from Canada's agriculture ministry, the extended dry weather trend on the Prairies could stick around for a while yet.
Trevor Hadwen says that typically, wet and dry cycles last for long periods of time, and the last three years have been extremely dry, beginning in 2017. He also says the fluctuations from wet to dry cycles sometimes go 10 years, and sometimes a little longer.
According to the Canadian Drought Monitor, a large portion of Southern Manitoba is in drought conditions of D0 (Abnormally dry) to D1 (Moderate drought). That includes Dauphin and most of the Parkland. There's an area from just north of Winnipegosis to Swan River that is experiencing D2, or "severe" drought conditions.
Although less common, Hadwen explained that Saskatchewan has even had extended drought conditions that lasted 25 to 30 years.
Prince Albert agrologist George Lewko says despite the arid conditions, modern farmers are much better equipped to handle droughts. Click here to view the latest map of drought conditions in Canada.
