Drought level still elevated  

The regional drought rating stayed flat on a weekly basis and remained at a very high level.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre said the Okanagan was at Drought Level 4 Thursday, June 25, indicating severely dry conditions for the region.

The Okanagan was one of seven basins at Level 4. Others include the Kettle River, Nicola and Lower Thompson basins. One region, the South Cariboo, was at the highest drought rating of Level 5 Thursday.

The River Forecast Centre said “prolonged hot and dry conditions have led to declining streamflow and groundwater levels in the southern interior,” noting many streams and rivers in the area were approaching critical flow levels.