Weather Report – March 2025
According to the Provincial Snow Supply Bulletin on February 1, the provincial
snowpack was 72% of normal, and the Okanagan was 84%.
Drought Updates
Weather Report – February 2025
After the warm fall of 2024, January shifted to colder weather but has not reached the conditions of last year’s cold snap. The shift to colder weather was more gradual and less severe than last January. For precipitation, 2025 started off dry, and as of January 27th, the total precipitation for the month was well below average.
Weather Report – December 2024
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that the La Niña could persist into the spring, which typically means cool, wet conditions in the Okanagan.
Click to read more about Environment and Climate Change Canada’s long-term forecast for November to January.
Weather Report – November 2024
The Okanagan is still technically in drought conditions (Level 2, or “very dry”). That being said, La Nina conditions are forecast for this winter, portending … Read more
Weather Report – August 2024
The declared drought level (level 3) in the Okanagan has held over the last few weeks. The occasional rain events have led to high enough … Read more
Water Science Specialist Report – July/August 2024
The Okanagan region remains at Drought Level 3 (“Severely Dry”). Provincial drought levels range from 0 – “non-drought conditions” to 5 – “exceptionally dry.” Read more in the OBWB’s Water Science Specialist report.
OBWB Drought Info Bulletin 3 – July 25, 2024
OKANAGAN DECLARED AT DROUGHT LEVEL 3 Conditions in the Okanagan are changing quickly. Cooler temperatures and rain in May and June have given way to … Read more
Okanagan Drought Info Bulletin 2 – July 19, 2024
OKANAGAN BACK TO DROUGHT LEVEL 2
The Okanagan began 2024 at Drought Level 2 due, in part, to low snowpack. With rain events in May and June, the Okanagan was downgraded to Level 1. After this reprieve, the recent heatwave, low stream flows and increasing water temperatures have prompted the Government of B.C. to move the Okanagan back to Drought Level 2.
Okanagan Drought Info Bulletin – May 16, 2024
OKANAGAN MOVED TO DROUGHT LEVEL 2
Lingering effects from the 2023 drought, low winter snowpack, low precipitation, and warmer than normal temperatures causing an early freshet, have prompted the Government of B.C. to move the Okanagan to a Level 2 drought rating.
Weather Report – April 2024
The April 1 Snow and Water Supply Bulletin is scheduled to be released by the BC River Forecast Centre on April 10. This is considered … Read more
Weather Report – March 2024
El Niño is continuing, but is likely (79%) to transition to neutral conditions in April –June. The U.S. National Weather Service continues to forecast warmer-and-drier-than-normal … Read more
Weather Report – February 2024
NOAA (U.S. weather agency) continues to forecast warmer-and-drier-than-normal conditions through the summer of 2024. Although this website only forecasts for the U.S., it is updated … Read more
Weather Report – December 2023
NOAA (U.S. weather agency) continues to forecast a warmer-and-drier-than-normal winter due to El Niño conditions. The areas forecast to have low precipitation become more geographically … Read more
Weather Report – November 2023
Seasonal forecasts continue to project a warmer-and-drier-than-normal fall and winter due to continued El Niño conditions. Okanagan Lake is below normal, and the provincial dam … Read more
Weather Report – September 2023
The province-wide drought continues, although most Okanagan purveyors have been able to manage their water supplies. Seasonal forecasts continue to project a warmer-and-drier-than-normal fall and … Read more
Weather Report – August 2023
The province-wide drought continues, although most Okanagan purveyors have been able to manage their water supplies. The Okanagan Lake dam operator in Penticton has reduced … Read more
Okanagan Drought Bulletin – August 17, 2023
OKANAGAN REGION IN DROUGHT LEVEL 5 Lack of rain, low streamflows, high water temperatures that can be lethal to fish, and sustained warm weather have … Read more
Okanagan Drought Bulletin – August 4, 2023
OKANAGAN NOW IN DROUGHT LEVEL 4 Lack of precipitation, low streamflows, high water temperatures that can be lethal to fish, and sustained warm weather have … Read more
Weather Report – July 2023
The El Nino is affecting weather around the globe, creating extreme heat events and exacerbating wildfires, as well as contributing to the regional drought here … Read more
Okanagan Drought Bulletin – July 11, 2023
OKANAGAN MOVED TO DROUGHT LEVEL 3 Lack of precipitation, declining streamflows, rising water temperatures, and forecasts for above normal temperatures this summer have prompted the … Read more
Weather Report – June 2023
The Okanagan had a very quick turn-around from spring to summer, with a swift and early snowmelt. Globally, we are now in an El Nino … Read more
Okanagan water supply webinar – May 9
The Water Board hosted its 15th Okanagan Water Supply Webinar on May 9, 2023 As in past years, there were updates on Okanagan reservoir levels, … Read more
Weather Report – April 2023
The BC River Forecast Centre’s most recent biweekly snow conditions commentary (March 22) finds the Okanagan’s snowpack to be slightly above normal (106%) compared to the long-term median. … Read more