Stock photo of drought conditions at Kalamalka Park (ID 59301229 © Katyenka | Dreamstime.com)

By Liam Verster

Drought Conditions

After four straight weeks, the Okanagan’s drought rating has increased

Jul 10, 2025 | 11:16 AM

The drought conditions have worsened in the Okanagan.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre said the area was at Drought Level 3 Thursday, July 10.

That’s an increase from the previous rating of Level 2, which the Okanagan had held for four straight weeks.

The River Forecast Centre rates drought conditions on a scale of 0 to 5, with Level 0 indicating no drought, Level 1 meaning abnormally dry conditions, and Level 2 through 5 meaning different levels of drought severity.

The provincial agency said streamflows in the Okanagan were declining and water temperatures were rising, posing “a risk to aquatic ecosystems in tributaries across the Okanagan.” The weather forecast also showed that the rain Wednesday would be followed by a “shift to dry conditions.”

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Elsewhere in the Southern Interior, the Similkameen’s rating held steady at Level 3 and the Nicola’s rating increased to that same level. The Bridge, Lower Thompson and North Thompson all held stead at Level 2, though the South Thompson did go up to Level 2 from Level 1 the week prior.