| Comments | Across Canada, concentrated in Saskatchewan and Alberta, Spring 2001 to Fall 2002. A severe drought was felt across all Canada, affecting 41,000 people, with the most devastating impacts felt in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Record to near-record drought, as indicated by the Palmer Drought Severity Index, was recorded at several climate stations in 2001. The winter of 2001-2002 continued the dry trend and brought above normal temperatures. Fall 2002 brought much needed precipitation to relieve much of the drought, though dry conditions did remain in places. The repercussions of the drought included agricultural production, employment, crop and livestock production, and the Gross Domestic Product. |