Quebec experienced driest spring in 60 years: Hydro-Quebec
This last spring was the driest on record since Hydro-Quebec started keeping track of hydrological data in the 1950s, the Crown corporation reported Friday.
Officials say the dryness is due to lower than normal precipitation levels.
In some areas of southern Quebec, only 40 per cent of normal rainfall amounts have accumulated since April 1.
In addition, last winter's snow cover was below average throughout the region.
As a result, Hydro-Quebec is warning boaters to be cautious as the water level of several rivers is significantly lower.
The public utility company also closed several of its reservoirs earlier than usual, including the Taureau reservoir in Lanaudière, the Baskatong and Cabonga reservoirs in the Outaouais region and the Decelles reservoir in Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
It states summer water levels will most likely be reached later than in previous years.
Nevertheless, the Crown corporation insists this should have no impact on the province's hydroelectric supply, adding its large reservoirs, located in the north, will be used as backup to maintain production, if necessary.
Environment Canada is forecasting that there will be some rain over the next few days, including some thunderstorms, in several regions of Quebec.
-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on June 25, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
'Tactical evacuations' underway near Fort Nelson, B.C., as wildfires encroach
The BC Wildfire Service says 'tactical evacuations' began Friday near Fort Nelson, B.C., due to an out-of-control wildfire that has grown rapidly since it was discovered earlier in the afternoon.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.