We have all noticed it, and now Manitoba's Infrastructure Minister is confirming it.

According to Ron Schuler, the province has seen record low precipitation since September in most of Manitoba's watersheds. This has resulted in well below normal to record dry soil moisture levels in some locations. In fact, Schuler says most of our southern watershed, consisting of Manitoba, Ontario, North Dakota and Minnesota has received less than five per cent of normal rainfall.

Schuler says when it comes to rainfall in Manitoba, June is normally the wettest month of the year, followed by July and then May. The Red River Valley Basin typically receives 104 millimetres each June. This year, only 62 millimetres of rain fell. In July, normal precipitation is 85 millimetres, but so far only 12 millimetres has fallen. And in May, it is normally 70 millimetres compared to 33. 5 millimetres this year.

Flows and water levels are also below normal to well below normal for most of southern and central Manitoba rivers and lakes. Schuler says from September of 2020 to today, most southern and central water basins received 200 to 250 millimetres less precipitation than normal. He notes those dry conditions are forecast to continue until fall of 2021.

Schuler adds most central and southern Manitoba rivers and streams show normal to much below normal flows for this time of year. For example, the average flow of the Red River at Emerson for this time of year is 6,730 cubic feet per second. Today, it is 855 cubic feet per second.

"The Red River is the driest it has been since 1980," notes Schuler.

According to Schuler, the Minister of Agriculture and Resource Development can declare a serious water shortage under the Water Protection Act and issue an order to alleviate the water shortage.