(UPDATE) Northern B.C. drought conditions improved after ‘above-normal precipitation’

Update, March 19th, 11.40 a.m.: This story was updated to correct an error with the amount of snowfall in December 2025. Energeticcity.ca is happy to set the record straight.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. —  Increased levels of precipitation have improved drought conditions in areas of northern B.C.

During February 2026, the Peace River, North Coast and Northern Nechako regions received 85 to 200 per cent of normal precipitation, according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. 

It said local pockets in the area exceeded 200 per cent. 

The wetter conditions in the northeast corner of the Peace region led to the removal of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s ‘moderate’ drought condition label, which is its second-lowest drought classification.

The Pacific region, including the B.C. Peace region, is now designated ‘abnormally dry,’ according to the report.

“Across central and northern British Columbia, above-normal precipitation led to overall improvements in drought conditions, though some localized dryness remained,” according to the report.

As a result of these wetter conditions, regions across the northern region experienced a reduction in ‘abnormally dry’ coverage as well. 

While these wetter conditions have provided relief to certain areas, long-term drought deficits remain significant, according to the report.

Northeast B.C. has been suffering from drought for years, since at least 2022. In November 2024, Agriculture and Agri-Food warned drought conditions would continue in northeast B.C.

This comes after there was a near record of 103.9 centimetres of snowfall in Fort St. John in December 2025, according to Environment Canada 

More drought information for areas across the province can be found on the Agriculture Canada website