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Brewing super El Niño adding fuel to North Okanagan's water concerns
Hayley Dosser said the event is likely unprecedented and could worsen drought, with a 77% chance of low snow water equivalent near Vernon in spring 2027.
- Hayley Dosser, a scientist with the Canadian Centre for Climate Services, briefed Vernon council on Tuesday about a super El Niño building in the Pacific Ocean since September, warning of potential water shortages next year.
- Ocean surface temperatures have passed three degrees Celsius above the baseline, creating a strong El Niño that sets the stage for extreme weather similar to winters in 1982-83, 1997-98, and 2015-16, Dosser explained.
- Near Vernon, forecasters predict a 77 per cent probability of low normal snow water equivalent for spring 2027, caused by either less snow accumulation or an earlier than normal spring melt, Dosser said.
- Intense winter storms increase risks of localized flooding or landslides, "and that has the potential to cause disruptions to transportation or infrastructure," Dosser cautioned, citing pre-existing drought conditions in the region.
- Councillor Teresa Durning called the impacts "absolutely incredible," while Councillor David Scarlatescu urged better communication on water restrictions; the El Niño pattern is unlikely to persist beyond next summer.
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Total News Sources12
Leaning Left11Leaning Right0Center0Last UpdatedBias Distribution100% Left
Bias Distribution
- 100% of the sources lean Left
100% Left
L 100%
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