B.C.’s persistent drought continues as wildfires spark, no rain in forecast
Global News
The Lower Mainland, the Sunshine Coast and west Vancouver Island have now reached Drought Level 5, meaning adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values are almost certain.
Windy weather in the forecast could cause more issues on Thanksgiving Monday as crews are still battling wildfires amid persistent drought conditions.
On Vancouver Island, a wildfire sparked on Saturday in the Cowichan Valley is currently burning out of control at four hectares in size.
A special weather statement has been issued for strong winds for most of B.C. Monday and the BC Wildfire Service said crews will be closely monitoring how those gusty conditions will impact the fire’s behaviour.
The special weather statements have been issued for much of the province including Vancouver Island, Greater Victoria, Sunshine Coast, Whistler, Howe Sound, Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Okanagan Valley and the Southern Gulf Islands regions.
Dry weather and a lack of rain have pushed wildfire season well into the fall.
Global BC meteorologist Mark Madryga said from July 10 to Oct. 10, an average of 150 millimetres of rain falls at Vancouver Airport. This year there have been 16 millimetres recorded.
During the same time frame, Abbotsford usually records an average of 200 millimetres. This year there have been 10 millimetres recorded.
The Lower Mainland, the Sunshine Coast and west Vancouver Island have now reached Drought Level 5, meaning adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values are almost certain.