Lowest snowpack in years

Photo: File photo

It's shaping up to be a dry summer throughout the province.

In its May 15 report, the River Forecast Centre said this year is the lowest mid-May snowpack in the past four decades.

And things will likely be getting a lot drier.

The report states with diminished snowpacks and an early melt this year, there is an increased likelihood of low-flow conditions in creeks and rivers in most areas of the province.

Seasonal forecasts from Environment and Climate Change Canada predict above-normal late-spring to early-summer temperatures for May, June and July across Western British Columbia.

Forecasts for June, July and August indicate an increased likelihood of warmer-than-normal temperatures across the province.

For most small and mid-sized watersheds around Southern B.C., the peak of the melt season has passed. In larger watersheds, and in mountainous areas in Northern B.C., rivers are expected to be at or near their peak levels from snowmelt runoff.

The late-May to early-June monthly temperature forecast indicates an increased likelihood of above-normal temperatures across Western B.C..

In the short-term, B.C. is expected to see mixed weather patterns over the next week, with near-seasonal temperatures and potential for occasional showers followed by a period of increased temperatures.