The dry weather in June is expected to continue in July, according to Environment Canada.
Meteorologist Geoff Coulson said rainfall in the Chatham-Kent area last month was "well below normal." Coulson said only 48.9 millimetres of rain fell last month, which is just over 60 per cent of the normal amount of 80 millimetres of rain in June.
Coulson said what's more notable is that 22.9 millimetres, or nearly half of June's rainfall, fell on one day. He said it's not a low rainfall record, adding there was a drier June two years ago with 45.2 millimetres of rain.
Coulson also said this month's weather models show that rainfall amounts should be similar to June, adding that weather patterns forming in the mid-west are skirting the area and heading to northern Ontario and the Ohio Valley. He added that studies are underway to determine if the trend of dry summers recently will continue.
Coulson is also reporting that local temperatures are going to be seasonal this week, but hotter weather is expected to return next week.
Kent Federation of Agriculture President Jay Cunningham said local farmers are not panicking and should be able to rebound because the dry spell is early enough. However, Cunningham said crop yields will be lower this season because of the low rainfall. Cunningham said the crops are starting to show some stress, but farmers are a savvy bunch and they should be able to bounce back without too much trouble.
"This one is a little bit more noticeable just because it's coming at such a key growing time," said Cunningham. "For the most part the crops look okay, but they're starting to show signs."
He said his farm only received two-tenths of an inch of rain on Tuesday and a half inch would have been better.
Cunningham said the cost of running a farm is higher this year with the high cost of diesel and other expenses, adding that farmers will need to tighten their belts to make it all work.
"You really have to weigh it out. This year is going to be the year of the sharp pencil for pretty much everything the farmers do," Cunningham noted.
Cunningham said more than 70 crops are grown in Chatham-Kent and wheat is almost ready to come off the fields.
