Hot, dry conditions in Central Canada and Maritimes prompt concerns

MONTREAL – Extreme heat and dry conditions in parts of Central and Eastern Canada have led to a surge in forest fires, limits on water use, and concerns about farmer crops.

This summer has seen record-setting temperatures in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes, along with far less rain than normal in many areas.

Roberta Diaconesco of Environment Canada says Montreal normally gets over 90 mm of rain in July but has only had 21 mm so far this year.

Some parts of southern Quebec haven’t had rain for nearly two weeks, causing the St. Lawrence River to drop to levels that haven’t been seen in years.

Melanie Morin, a spokeswoman for Quebec’s forest fire monitoring service, says there are currently over 20 forest fires burning in the province.

Morin says there are concerns lightning storms forecast for this afternoon could lead to more fires.