Dry conditions at Kalamalka Park (ID 59301229 © Katyenka | Dreamstime.com)

By Liam Verster

Drought Level 3

Okanagan drought conditions remain at Level 3

Aug 1, 2024 | 12:30 PM

The local drought conditions remain unchanged on a weekly basis, but was still on the higher end of the spectrum.

For the second week in a row, the B.C. River Forecast Centre had ranked the Okanagan at Drought Level 3 as of Thursday, August 1.

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

People in the area are advised to follow all water restrictions and do their part to conserve water.

The Okanagan’s unchanged rate came following a week that saw 8.5 millimetres of precipitation in Vernon, 5.0 mm in Kelowna, and 6.9 mm in Penticton, according to Environment Canada. The daytime highs during that week averaged at 27.7°C in Vernon, 27.4°C in Kelowna, and 27.7°C in Penticton.

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Drought Level 2

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The North Thompson basin saw its rating rise from Level 2 to Level 3 as of Thursday.

The Nicola basin was also at Level 3 for the second consecutive week, and Similkameen had that same rating for its third week in a row.

The South and Lower Thompson regions were unchanged at Level 2 for a third straight week.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre data showed that Drought Level 4 was the highest active rating as of August 1. The regions under that designation were Fort Nelson, Bulkley-Lakes, Parsnip, West Vancouver Island and East Vancouver Island.

The Northwest and Stikine basins were still at Level 0, the lowest drought rating, as of August 1.