Okanagan drought level drops

The drought conditions in the Okanagan have improved.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre said that, as of May 30, the region was classified as Drought Level 1, the second lowest in the scale of 0-5.

That marks an improvement from the past four weeks when the Okanagan was in Drought Level 2.

Under Level 1, the risk of conditions creating adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values are rare, and the only recommended response is to conserve water where possible.

One reason for the improvement is rainfall this month.

Environment Canada’s data showed a total of 4.8 milimetres of rain fell in Vernon between May 23 and 29, which added to the 26.1 milimetres the week prior. The city’s total for May so far is 31.8 mm.

Kelowna’s weather station has received 34.8 mm of rain in May.

As of May 30, the North Thompson conditions also declined to Level 1, and the Lower Thompson’s conditions improved from Level 3 to Level 2. Under Level 2, adverse impacts are unlikely, and the recommended responses include conservation as well as possible local water restrictions.

At last update, the only basin to be classified as Level 5, the highest in the B.C. River Forecast Centre’s classifications, was the East Peace. However, Fort Nelson, the North Peace and the South Peace were all classified as Level 4.