To say there has been a lack of precipitation in southeast Saskatchewan would be an understatement.

Since the start of 2018, the disparity between average and what we have seen is even more drastic, with only around a quarter of what we would normally see coming down, according to David Phillips. He is the senior climatologist with Environment Canada.

“This has clearly been one of the driest such periods on record.”

The lack of rain has resulted in fire bans in a number of rural municipalities in the region and has many producers hoping for something to come to help with seeding.

When making comparisons to the extremely dry conditions from 1958, or even the 1980’s, Phillips was hesitant to say we were in a drought, but definitely thinks one is a possibility.

With the weather being hot and dry, there is an increased chance of storms moving through, however, those aren’t necessarily helpful in restoring the moisture levels, according to Phillips. Weather systems like those may put a lot of rainfall out, but it tends to wash away, taking some topsoil with it. He explained a soaking rain, lasting two or three days, is what is needed in the region.

“Clearly money in the bank if we can get that,” Phillips related. “We need the rain, and we’re getting concerned about it.”

The short range forecasts from Environment Canada, while showing cooler temperatures, don’t have any rain associated with them in the coming days. The long-range forecast, Phillips said, don’t hold much promise either.