MANITOULIN—This will come as no surprise to Islanders, but Manitoulin is seriously lacking in precipitation this summer.
According to Gerald Cheng, Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist, May was an “okay” month with 82 millilitres of rain, but June’s numbers dropped drastically to 22.8 millilitres and, as for the first 11 days of July, there has been no rain to speak of. (These figures come from the Gore Bay Airport’s Environment Canada weather station, which was missing the data from July 12 to 16.)
“From experience, there should be around 70-80 millilitres for this time of year, June, July and August too,” Mr. Cheng told The Expositor. “It’s been dry, especially around Georgian Bay.”
The meteorologist said he hoped the cold front, due to have appeared yesterday (Tuesday, July 17), will bring with it showers.
“We’re looking at mostly seasonal temperatures for the rest of the month,” he added.
The average millilitres for May through July are: May, 66.6 millilitres; June, 66 millilitres; and July, 52 millilitres.
The dry weather means Island farmers will be struggling with their second cut of hay this season and could be looking to supplement their winter supply with purchased feed for their livestock.
