The regions in Alberta most affected by drought as of July 2025 are:
- Southeastern Alberta: This is the area experiencing the most severe conditions, encompassing communities from Medicine Hat to the Saskatchewan border. Southeast Alberta, including counties such as Cypress County and the "Special Areas," has seen moderate to extreme drought, with some municipalities declaring agricultural disasters due to water shortages and significant impacts on agriculture[1][2].
- Southwestern Alberta: There are pockets of extreme drought along the Rocky Mountains and into the southern foothills. The Municipal District of Pincher Creek is affected, facing dry soil, low water levels in reservoirs (such as Oldman and St. Mary), and active agricultural disaster declarations[1].
- Southern Prairies (including Lethbridge and Brooks): These zones continue to face very high vulnerability with frequent severe moisture deficits. Non-irrigated areas are most at risk, while irrigation helps buffer effects in some districts. Farmers are adapting to frequent and intense drought episodes, especially over the last decade[2][3].
- Central and Eastern Alberta (Special Areas, southeastern counties): Critically low soil moisture remains a persistent issue, especially in the Special Areas region, which stretches between Calgary and Saskatchewan. Agriculture Alberta soil assessments highlight these as key drought-impacted areas[2].
- Northwestern Alberta: This region has also received very low precipitation through June, contributing to drought stress especially for agricultural producers[3].
- Reservoirs and Water Supply: Major river basins and reservoirs in southern Alberta are well below normal storage levels, further compounding drought impacts[1][4].
Summary Table:
Region/Area | Drought Status | Recent Impacts |
Southeastern Alberta | Moderate to Extreme Drought | Agricultural disasters, low water/soil, poor crops[1][2] |
Southwestern Alberta | Extreme Drought Pockets | Disaster declarations, low reservoir levels[1] |
Southern Prairies | Very High Drought Vulnerability | Moisture deficits, crop stress[2][3] |
Central/Eastern Alberta (Special Areas) | Critically Low Soil Moisture | Ongoing agricultural and water stress[2] |
Northwestern Alberta | Low June Precipitation | Added drought pressure in some localities[3] |
Areas with irrigation infrastructure are faring somewhat better, but non-irrigated regions remain most at risk. The drought situation is dynamic, but as of mid-July 2025, southern and southeastern Alberta are clearly the most affected by prolonged drought conditions[1][2][3].
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- https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/two-municipalities-in-opposite-corners-of-southern-alberta-declare-agricultural-disaster
- https://organicagcentre.ca/uncategorized/these-drought-tough-crops-are-saving-alberta-farms-real-results-inside/
- https://lethbridgenewsnow.com/2025/07/10/significant-concern-for-drought-conditions-in-southern-alberta/
- https://www.calgary.ca/water/drought.html
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