Okanagan drought level holds steady, area rivers feeling the effects

Sep 18, 2025 | 2:22 PM

The Okanagan’s drought rating remained unchanged on a weekly basis, posing a risk to aquatic ecosystems in the area.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre said the Okanagan was at Drought Level 3 for the second straight week Thursday, Sept. 18.

That designation indicates conditions are somewhat severe, though does not pose a significant risk.

The River Forecast Centre noted many tributaries to the Okanagan River were “below critical thresholds for the health of aquatic ecosystems.”

It also stated that the flows in the Salmon River and Bessette Creek were stabilizing, though “remain below survival thresholds for Chinook Salmon.” Temporary fish protection orders remained in effect for those rivers.

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The River Forecast Centre’s rating for the Okanagan remained flat despite seeing temperatures decrease over the previous week.

Environment Canada said Vernon had an average daytime high of 28.6 degrees over the previous seven days, while Kelowna’s average high was recorded at 28.3.

There was no precipitation recorded in Vernon or Kelowna over that seven day period.

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by Liam Verster

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