Dry summer on verge of setting new record
No rain has fallen on Kelowna since June 28, but forecast suggests break from dry, hot weather could come this weekend
This summer is on track to be one for the weather-record books. If no rain falls in Kelowna today, it will mark the 44th consecutive day without rain this summer, tying a record set in 2003.
“We have to have no rain on Saturday to break the record,” said Cindy Yu, a meteorologist with Environment Canada.
The last time precipitation fell in Kelowna was on June 28.
In 2003, Kelowna experienced a dry spell between June 23 and Aug. 5.
The lack of rain this summer has been caused by a slow-moving weather pattern over the province, said Yu.
“We had quite a wet spring. Then, after mid-June, everything switched and we transitioned into a dry weather pattern,” she said.
However, cooler, wet weather could be on the way this weekend.
“We are expecting some precipitation for the southern Interior,” said Yu.
A cold front is then expected to move through Kelowna Sunday morning.
Today’s forecast high is 31 C, according to Environment Canada.
A high of 28 C is expected Saturday, along with a 70 per cent chance of showers at night, followed by a high of 21 C on Sunday, with showers, and a high of 22 C on Monday.
The normal temperature for this time of year is 27 C.
Temperatures are expected to return to normal by the end of next week.
“We should be seeing a more cooling trend from now on,” said Yu of the rest of the summer.
The hot summer and lack of rain have hindered fruit growth in many parts of the Okanagan, said Fred Steele, president of the BC Fruit Growers’ Association.
“I think the biggest concern is that we need some rain and we need some temperatures in the mid-20s to stimulate some actual fruit growth,” said Steele.
During extensive periods of high heat, trees send energy to their limbs and roots instead of the fruit as a way of protecting the trees, leading to smaller fruit, said Steele.
Currently, the heat and lack of rain is causing size issues with some cherry varieties, and some of the apple crops are behind, said Steele.
“If we get four or five days of mid-20s temperatures and some moisture to go with it and a bit of a breeze, things will be good,” said Steele. “I’m still hopeful we’ll have a pretty good season.”