Stock photo of dry conditions in Kalamalka Provincial Park (ID 59301229 © Katyenka | Dreamstime.com)

By Liam Verster

Drought Level 3

Drought conditions worsen for second consecutive week

Jul 25, 2024 | 3:00 PM

The prolonged hot and dry weather in the first two weeks of July have been reflected in the current drought conditions.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre reported the Okanagan as being at Drought Level 3 as of July 25, marking the second week in a row where the rating rose as conditions worsened.

Under Drought Level 3, it’s possible conditions could have adverse impacts to socio-economic and ecosystem values.

It was advised that people follow all local water restrictions, and that they do their part to conserve water where ever possible.

The increased ratings came following two weeks of temperatures in the mid- to upper-30s that saw some daily temperatures broken in the North Okanagan, with no precipitation recorded.

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Elsewhere in the surrounding area, the Nicola basin’s rating increased to Level 3 from Level 2 the week prior, while the Similkameen’s rating stayed at Level 3 for the second straight week.

The North Thompson saw it’s rating rise from Level 1 to Level 2 on a weekly basis, while the South and Lower Thompson areas were at Drought Level 2 for the second week in a row.

The highest drought ratings were recorded in the Fort Nelson, East Peace, South Peace, Upper Fraser West, Central Coast, West Vancouver Island, and East Vancouver Island areas, all of which were at Level 4 as of July 25.

The areas in the northeast corner of the province have been in the upper range of the ratings all summer, but the Upper Fraser West and East Vancouver Island areas had only been at Level 4 for two weeks as of the latest update, while it was the first time all summer that West Vancouver Island reached Level 4.

The Stikine and Northwest regions were still at the lowest possible rating of Level 0 as of the latest update.