Parts of B.C. still experiencing drought conditions

VICTORIA — Parts of B-C known for towering rainforests and endless days of winter precipitation are experiencing some of the driest conditions on record.

Both the Sunshine Coast and east side of Vancouver Island are facing persistent water shortages as below-average precipitation fails to replenish reservoirs drained by drought that extended well into this fall.

Environment Canada meteorologist Lisa Erven says B-C has had a precipitation deficit for many months, and even now, during what’s normally one of the rainiest times of year, cold air moving south from the Arctic has created colder-than-normal conditions and blocked rain in many places.

The province’s drought map shows many regions are rated at level three out of five, while the Fraser Canyon and all of northeastern B-C are classified at level four or higher, meaning adverse impacts are likely. (The Canadian Press)