B.C.’s June weather unseasonably wet, cold
Posted June 15, 2022 7:25 am.
Last Updated June 15, 2022 7:28 am.
As we watch June weather extremes across North America — from oppressive heat to massive rainfall — B.C. is also getting its share of unseasonable conditions.
A local state of emergency has been declared in the Okanagan, and it’s feeling more like winter than summer in other parts of the province.
The City of Kelowna is feeling the effects of heavy rain in the surrounding hills and mountains, with precipitation rapidly swelling water levels in creeks and streams, prompting the declaration Tuesday in the Mission Creek area.
Local State of Emergency declared for City of Kelowna News Release No. 2 – Local State of Emergency Declared for the City of Kelowna https://t.co/6J6gjxgLgO
— Central Ok Emergency (@CO_Emerg) June 14, 2022
As of Tuesday afternoon, the waterway had risen more than half a metre and was spilling its banks, with additional flooding along two other local creeks, affecting properties and forcing some road closures and restrictions.
The city has been inspecting bridges and monitoring water levels, providing sand and sandbags to those in need.
The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre is encouraging anyone living in low-lying or flood-prone areas to have a plan in place, should local flooding become worse.
Snow, in June?
But rain isn’t the only concern around the province right now. In southeastern B.C., there has been a dump of snow in communities like Elkford.
@liviam001 A little white rain in June. Who needs veggies and flowers anyway. #whiterain #summertimeinbc #britishcolumbiacanada ♬ original sound - Kathleen Murray
The Kootenay Pass on Highway 3 was also hit with wintry weather and had to be ploughed early Tuesday because of the significant snowfall.
Snow plows in June? Unfortunately this video is not fake. We have snow coming down at the top of #KootenayPass on #BCHwy3. Commercial vehicle chain up in effect
for WB traffic. Proceed with caution. @DriveBC @TranBC_WestKoot pic.twitter.com/e4id7czITy— YRB Kootenay Ltd (@YRBKT) June 14, 2022
On Vancouver Island, Mount Washington Alpine Resort is actually opening up this weekend for Father’s Day, with free skiing and boarding for dads.
Conditions are apparently quite good — for June.
Skiing, in June? We know you’re ready! Here comes Snowmer: Ski & Soar. A Father’s Day weekend event. Get all the details at https://t.co/rthWiptPUc
photos from the last June ski here in 2011 #myMW pic.twitter.com/x5Pj1H0WMe
— Mount Washington Ops (@MountWashington) June 13, 2022
“So, you know how everyone is talking about the interesting island weather keeping us on our toes… We’re rolling with it. Get your toes back into those ski boots and feel the rush of sliding down snow one last time before bike and beach season is in full force. In comes Snowmer: Ski & Soar,” reads a post on the resort’s website.
