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People walking through a dry Kalamalka Provincial Park (Image Credit: Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)
Drought Level 4

Okanagan still experiencing drought conditions heading into mid-fall

Sep 24, 2026 | 10:52 AM

The Okanagan’s drought conditions were unchanged heading into the last week of September.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre said the region was still classified at Drought Level 4 with a High Water Scarcity Level Thursday.

The Okanagan was the only region in B.C. with a drought rating level that high, and the only other areas with high water scarcity levels were the Nicola and Coldwater Rivers and Similkameen.

The River Forecast Centre said the recent precipitation had little impacts on the Okanagan watershed as the streamflows remained critically low for aquatic ecosystems. That was especially concerning as salmon were migrating into the area, including Sockeye coming into Okanagan Lake, for spawning season. 

Meanwhile, both Okanagan and Kalamalka Lakes were still experiencing record-low water levels, raising concerns about future water availability.

The agency reminded people to continue following their local water restrictions.

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