Despite a dip in temperatures and the return of overcast skies, the Okanagan has been bumped up to level four drought.
The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) calls this an “unprecedented and critical” level change for this time of year
The years-long drought conditions were intensified by a mini heatwave in September that brought multiple days with daytime highs over 30ºC coupled with record-low rainfall.
“Cool evenings and crisp fall air are unfortunately not enough to counteract months of warm temperatures and below-normal precipitation,” the OBWB said in a statement.
“This current level is more reflective of the on-the-ground conditions (the Okanagan Nation Alliance) has been observing all season.”
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Level four drought is the second highest ranking and means adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values are likely.
As a result, local ecosystems are at risk, said the OBWB. That includes fish populations who are struggling during their spawning season.
About a month ago, the valley was sitting at level three and seven weeks ago it was sitting at level zero.
These conditions are similar to what was seen two years ago.
In October 2023, the Okanagan was sitting at level four drought, however, that was actually a drop from level five. By Oct. 19, 2023, the Okanagan dropped to a level two drought rating.
Conditions outside of the Okanagan remain historically dry as well.
The Similkameen has been at drought level four for at least two months and now parts of the Kootenays are sitting at the same level.
The Kettle River basin, which is to the east of the Okanagan, is at level three. The Nicola basins, which include areas around Merritt, are also at level three.
Meanwhile, to the north of the BC Interior, the South Cariboo, Lower, North and South Thompson are all level two droughts. That means adverse impacts on socio-economic or ecosystem values being unlikely but possible.
