Vancouver Records Wettest Year Since 1999 While B.C.'s Drought Worsens

Despite heavy rainfall on the coast, northeastern British Columbia faces a prolonged multi-year drought with severe impacts on rivers and wildfire activity.

• Vancouver experienced 1,367 millimetres of precipitation in 2024, the highest annual total since 1999, driven by atmospheric rivers and storm events.
• Environment Canada reports that Vancouver's rainfall was 15% above the annual average, though still within the normal range historically for the city.
• In contrast, northeastern B.C. endured one of its driest years on record, with regions like Fort Nelson and Chetwynd reporting significant precipitation deficits.
• Persistent drought conditions in the province's northeast have led to severe wildfire activity, with long-term forecasts showing no substantial relief in sight.
• The disparity in weather patterns highlights the ongoing challenges of climate variability, with Vancouver's wet conditions failing to alleviate drought across other parts of the province.

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