Okanagan Lake (stock photo courtesy of the Regional District of North Okanagan)

By Liam Verster

Drought Ratings

Okanagan’s drought level holds steady due to rain and cooler weather

Jun 27, 2024 | 11:00 AM

For the fifth consecutive week, the Okanagan’s drought conditions were rated at Level 1.

At Level 1, which is the second lowest rating, adverse impacts to socio-economic and ecosystem values would be rare.

The province uses a six-level classification (0-5) to rate the severity of drought conditions using core indicators like stream flow and precipitation.

The Lower and South Thompson regions also saw their conditions improve from Level 2 to Level 1 on a weekly basis as of June 27. The Nicola and Similkameen regions remained at Level 2, where adverse impacts would be unlikely.

The local conditions were unchanged as Environment Canada recorded 0.4 milimetres of precipitation in Vernon, 5 mm in Kelowna, and 13.4 mm in Penticton over the reporting week. The weather agency data noted the only precipitation recorded throughout the week for all three communities fell on June 26.

drafted

Six BCHL players chosen in 2024 NHL Draft

10h ago

fundraising event

Dancing with the Vernon Stars returns in September, tickets now on sale

Jun 28, 2024

ultra athlete

Magnifique! Vernon athlete conquers latest endurance test in France

Jun 28, 2024

Meanwhile, conditions in the Northeast corner of B.C. saw some improvements.

The East Peace saw the conditions improve from the highest possible rating of Level 5 drop to Level 4, where adverse impacts are likely. The East Peace had been at Level 5 since the weekly drought condition reporting began in the week of May 2.

The Fort Nelson and North Peace basins also saw their conditions improve from Level 4 to Level 3. The North Peace had been at Level 4 since reporting began, while Fort Nelson had held the second highest rating since the week of May 16.

As of June 27, the only regions with the lowest drought ratings of Level 0 were the Haida Gwaii, Northwest and Stikine basins.

The only basins in B.C. to see conditions worsen on a weekly basis were West Vancouver Island, climbing from Level 0 to 1, and East Vancouver Island, rising from Level 1 to 2.