B.C.’s southern interior remains most drought stricken part of the province

June is typically the wettest month of the year for the Kamloops area, but Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada currently classifies much of the region as being in severe or extreme drought.

“A large region through the interior, stretching from Smithers to the southern Okanagan, received less than 25 per cent of their normal monthly precipitation,” explained Hadwen.

“In addition, temperatures were above average, with some record breaking temperatures toward the end of June. June conditions and poor winter snowpack have led to very poor soil moisture, low streamflow, and concerns for water supplies through many regions of the province, especially in the south.”

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada said 56 per cent of the province’s agricultural landscape and 83 per cent of the population is under severe or extreme drought conditions.

“Drought conditions have encompassed a large majority of the southern three quarters of the province, with large regions of severe drought. A large portion of the Thompson and Okanagan, as well as smaller portions of the Nechako Plateau, were downgraded to extreme drought classification,” said Hadwen.

“As of June 30, 80 per cent of B.C. is classified in abnormally dry or drought conditions. This includes over 90 per cent of the province’s agricultural landscape.”

Drought conditions have made the province particularly susceptible to wildfires, such as the Brunswick Complex fires.

TheNk’eʔxép Management Committee has the Upper and Lower Nicola River regions under high and moderate water scarcity levels. Residents in those areas are urged to conserve and store water wherever possible.

by Elora McCormack

B.C.’s southern interior remains most drought stricken part of the province

Our Community