Drought tightening across Okanagan as heat, dry weather persist

Dry conditions continue to intensify across the Okanagan, with prolonged heat placing growing pressure on local water systems and keeping Greater Vernon under Stage 3 water restrictions as reservoirs and streams continue to drop.

Officials say the ongoing dry spell is also starting to weigh on agriculture, with orchards and vineyards especially vulnerable after weeks of hot temperatures and little meaningful rainfall.

Across the Thompson-Okanagan, hydrologists are reporting record-low stream flows for this time of year in several watersheds, even with brief, limited boosts from higher-elevation snowmelt.

Forecasters say the pattern is expected to hold through next week, with little precipitation in the forecast and continued concerns about water supply and drought impacts across the region.