The view of Vernon from Mission Hill (Vernon Matters file photo)

By Liam Verster

Drought Conditions

Okanagan drought rating still at low end of the scale

May 29, 2025 | 10:37 AM

Regional drought conditions have remained at the lower end of the rating spectrum.

For the second week in a row, the B.C. River Forecast Centre said the Okanagan was at Drought Level 1.

The rating, issued on Thursday, is the second lowest on the scale of 0-5, and indicates that the region is abnormally dry but not at a severe level.

The agency said the Nicola and Similkameen areas saw their ratings rise to Level 2 on Thursday, after being at Level 1 the week prior. The Lower Thompson was also at Level 2 for the second consecutive week. There were no reports on the drought conditions in the North or South Thompson.

As of Thursday, the highest drought severity rating was recorded at Level 4 in the East Peace. That was the third week in a row the region was classified at that level.

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Haida Gwaii was at Level 0 for the second straight week, and West Vancouver Island also saw its rating drop to Level 0 after being at Level 2 the week before.