Environment Canada predicted a hot dry summer and, so far, that's exactly the way it's been.
Charlottetown hasn't had a normal month of rainfall since April and that has resulted in significant reductions in outdoor water use by the municipality.
The drought began in May as the capital city received 65.9 millimetres of rain, 67 per cent of what is considered normal. Charlottetown's average rainfall in May is 97.7 millimetres.
June was even drier. A mere 30 millimetres of rain fell, 32.3 per cent of what normally falls at that time of year. The normal for that month is 93.2 millimetres of rain.
This month has been even worse. Only 9.6 millimetres of rain has dropped on Charlottetown in July, not even a third of what the capital city is used to getting.
That should put things in perspective when it comes to why the city is getting so serious about curbing water use.
It's not just a Charlottetown problem. The lack of precipitation across Prince Edward Island has the fire index at extreme, resulting in a ban on things like camp fires.
"It looks like a bit of a dry season and that is raising some concerns, not only for water restrictions but for forest fires,'' said Tracey Talbot, a meteorologist with Environment Canada. "It's a similar situation for the rest of Atlantic Canada.''
In fact, most of the country is experiencing a hot, dry summer. Water restrictions are currently in place in communities like Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Richmond, B.C., and Cambridge, Ont.
And the immediate forecast doesn't indicate much relief. There is the chance of rain but no significant rain in sight.
"We're looking at a chance of showers here and there (and) the possibility of some showers throughout the week next week but right now it looks like just a pop of showers, basically.''
It may not be music to the ears of municipal officials but it's certainly been a welcome summer, so far, for those on vacation and tourists.
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