Washington's governor declares drought emergency in nearly half the state

The governor of Washington has declared a drought emergency in nearly half of his state.

It affects the majority of the state’s border with British Columbia.

Snowpack levels are 50% of the average for spring, Washington officials explained, and a hot, dry summer is predicted.

Today I'm expanding drought declaration to nearly half the state. I appreciate @EcologyWA's work with partners to prepare for drought and to position us to quickly react to those in need. As the climate continues to change, we must plan for those impacts.https://t.co/vcmMETeUC1 pic.twitter.com/EBjT4rNaDs

— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) May 20, 2019

The snow will melt quicker than usual and reduce water availability when it is needed most – in the summer.

Governor Jay Inslee said the state was in a position to “quickly react to those in need”.

He added: “As the climate continues to change, we must be proactive in taking steps to plan for those impacts.”

Washington State Department of Ecology said that, despite rain over the past week, total precipitation levels remain below what is usual for this time of year.

A drought emergency was declared in the Okanogan and Methow areas – which both border B.C. – on April 4.

The newer declarations were made on Tuesday.

In B.C., meanwhile, conditions are similarly dry.

The Okanagan Basin Water Board’s most recent update, on May 8, explained that the snowpack was behind its 2015 levels – the last year of serious drought.

Speaking to NowMedia, a spokeswoman for the board said that B.C. is "not in the same unfortunate position as the folks down in Washington".

"The Similkameen water system is what they are having issues with," Corinne Jackson said. "It's that [system] which is driving concerns for Washington right now."

She added: "We are watching it here in the Okanagan – we had a quick snow melt.

"But we're waiting to see what happens with spring rains."