Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii have joined an Okanagan river in being the only areas in B.C. listed at Drought Level 3.
On Saturday, the ministry of forests said ongoing hot and dry conditions along the west coast prompted the increase.
Under Drought Level 3, the province says adverse impacts are possible. The highest drought level is 5.
Most of the province is at Drought Level 1, though the Kettle River in the Okanagan is at Drought Level 3. Meanwhile, six areas are at Drought Level 2, including the Lower Mainland Basin, Central Coast and Sunshine Coast.
“The high temperatures, consistent sunshine and lack of recent rain have increased water temperatures in numerous Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii streams,” said the ministry.
“Warmer water temperatures and the lack of precipitation may affect late summer fish-rearing conditions in streams and can affect the timing of salmon spawning migration.”
The ministry says there have been reports of fish mortalities and strandings within the past month following heat warnings.
