In 2020 the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS), in conjunction with other regional districts and Natural Resources Canada commissioned a study on how the climate in the Okanagan region will change, projected to the year 2050 and 2080. 

From 1971 to 2000 the RDOS valley bottom, where most of the inhabitants live, experienced on average 28 days with temperatures over 30 C. In 2050 that number is expected to increase to 33 days and in 2080 it will increase to 54 days. The hottest day in the RDOS valley bottom is now 35.8 C, which will increase to 40.2 by 2050 and 42.8 by 2080. These higher temperatures mean that significantly more energy will be required to cool homes and buildings. Winters will be warmer, which will impact snowpack, invasive species and agriculture. 

The study states: “Climate change will cause significant changes in the region. Based on these changes, there is a need to plan for more intense and hotter fires, increasing water shortages, more smoke days, and a greater likelihood of spring flooding. These changes will have serious consequences on ecosystems, communities, and the economy.”