Environment Canada says southern Saskatchewan is running a moisture deficit of 200 millimeters or 8 inches this spring.

Meteorologist Terri Lang says the southern grainbelt needs moisture for proper crop and pasture growth.

She says there is need for a sustained gentle rain because the one year moisture deficit is 200 millimeters in many parts of the southern grainbelt.

Lang says Saskatoon and Moose Jaw had their driest spring on record, and Regina is suffering the eighth driest spring.

She adds there is rain in the forecast over the next few days, but it is expected to be very spotty across the southern grainbelt.

She says the northern part of the province received rain last weekend.