EDMONTON — Only a major and long rainfall in July might save Alberta and Saskatchewan from one of the most widespread droughts the region has seen this decade.
The driest June in 50 years across Alberta is having a huge impact on agriculture. It's drying soccer fields, scratching golf courses, affecting wildlife reproduction - and has even led to a ban on private fireworks. The worst of the drought is affecting a large strip from central Alberta to west central Saskatchewan.
A soil moisture expert says four days of intense rain might help a bit, but most of the damage is already done.
So far, nine counties in Alberta have declared an agricultural emergency disaster.