Rainfall has brought some relief to parched areas of Saskatchewan, but the province is still grappling with drier-than-normal conditions and an elevated wildfire risk. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency reports 111 wildfires this year, more than double the five-year average of 41. Five fires remain active as of Monday, prompting several rural municipalities to declare fire bans despite recent moisture.
While most of Saskatchewan has a low to moderate fire weather index rating, many areas still have a high potential for fire intensity. Ray Orb, president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), acknowledges the positive impact of recent rain but emphasizes that many regions, especially the southwest, remain dry.
Orb expressed optimism based on forecasts predicting significant rainfall for the southwest. Preliminary reports indicate 10-12 mm of rain in the area. While Orb remains hopeful about avoiding a drought this year, he cautions that it is too early to make definitive statements. He highlights the importance of soil moisture for seeding and the need for grass growth for cattle producers.
Meteorologist Peter Quinlan projects that Saskatoon and Regina could receive an additional 10-20 mm of rain, while the southwest and west-central parts of the province may see 20-30 mm. The Cypress Hills region could receive up to 50-70 mm of rainfall by Wednesday. Quinlan notes that the recent precipitation still falls short of average May levels, underscoring the need for more rainfall to address the ongoing drought and wildfire concerns. June, typically the wettest month of the year, is crucial for improving conditions in Saskatchewan.
