The Okanagan Basin Water Board says the region has moved to drought level two after an early forecast with hot and dry conditions throughout the spring.

A statement from the board says recent cooler weather and localized rain offered a brief reprieve, but drought will persist until a bout of prolonged rain.

It says stream flows in the region are low and notes water temperatures are rising, which can be deadly for salmon and other fish.

The province’s drought bulletin shows numerous regions have moved up to drought level three on the five-level scale since the start of June, while the Peace Region is at level four — which means conditions are extremely dry and communities or eco-systems are likely to suffer significant harm. 

(Canadian Press)