As temperatures rise across British Columbia, provincial officials are warning that the coming weeks could bring an increased risk of flooding, drought and wildfires—prompting a renewed push for residents to prepare for emergencies.

Speaking Thursday, Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Minister Kelly Greene said preparedness at the household level is critical as climate-related hazards become more frequent and unpredictable.

“Preparedness starts at home,” Greene said. “Taking small steps now—like creating an emergency plan, assembling a grab-and-go kit and knowing where to find reliable information—can make a real difference when it matters most.”

Snowpack signals mixed risks across the province

According to the province’s latest snow survey, B.C.’s snowpack sits at roughly 92% of normal—higher than last year but still slightly below long-term averages. That balance creates uneven risks depending on the region.

Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Minister Randene Neill said lower-elevation areas, including parts of the South Coast and Vancouver Island, saw more rain than snow this winter. That reduces the risk of snowmelt flooding but increases the likelihood of drought and water shortages later in the summer.

By contrast, higher-elevation regions—including the Interior and northern parts of the province—have accumulated more snow, raising the potential for flooding as temperatures climb and spring runoff accelerates.

“Depending on where you are in B.C., conditions can change quickly,” Neill said. “We need to be prepared for both flooding and drought—and even the unexpected.”

Flooding concerns as spring melt begins

Officials say warming temperatures will accelerate snowmelt in the coming weeks. When combined with heavy rainfall, that can increase water levels in rivers, streams and lakes, particularly in low-lying areas.

Residents are being advised to clear drainage systems, move valuables to higher ground and monitor local conditions closely. Sudden changes in water levels could signal upstream issues requiring immediate attention.

Since 2017, the province has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into flood mitigation projects, including updated mapping and infrastructure improvements aimed at reducing long-term risk.

Drought and water scarcity also a growing threat

Despite the flood risk, drought remains a serious concern—especially in regions with below-average snowpack. Officials say water scarcity is becoming more common due to a combination of climate change, increased demand and limited storage capacity.

The province is working with local governments, First Nations and agricultural partners to improve water management, including investments in storage infrastructure and watershed monitoring.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to conserve water early in the season to help reduce pressure on supplies later in the summer.

Wildfire season expected to ramp up

Forests Minister Ravi Parmar said B.C. could face an active spring wildfire season, particularly if dry conditions persist.

As of mid-April, several fires are already burning, with most caused by human activity.

Parmar said the BC Wildfire Service is fully preparing for the season, with expanded staffing, new technology and increased equipment. The service expects to have about 2,200 personnel in place by early May.

Investments include improved wildfire detection systems, expanded training—including partnerships with First Nations—and millions of dollars in new firefighting equipment.

Still, officials stress prevention is key. Residents are being urged to follow FireSmart practices, such as clearing dry vegetation, maintaining defensible space around homes and properly disposing of flammable materials.

“Living with wildfire means everyone has a role to play,” Parmar said.

Emergency alerts and supports in place

In the event of an emergency, residents may receive alerts through cellphones, radio or television via the provincial emergency alert system. Up-to-date information is also available through EmergencyInfoBC online and social media channels.

Officials highlighted the importance of registering in advance for Emergency Support Services (ESS), which provide short-term help such as food, shelter and clothing during evacuations.

The province also announced nearly $2.5 million in new funding for ESS projects, aimed at improving volunteer recruitment, training and emergency response capacity.

A reminder during Tsunami Preparedness Week

The announcement coincides with Tsunami Preparedness Week, which Greene said underscores the wide range of hazards facing the province.

She pointed to a recent major earthquake off Russia’s coast that triggered tsunami monitoring across the Pacific—serving as a reminder that emergencies can happen with little warning.

“We’re in this together”

Officials emphasized that while government investments and planning continue, community awareness and individual preparedness remain essential.

“By staying informed, being prepared and looking out for one another, we can reduce the impacts of these events,” Neill said.

With spring underway and summer approaching, the message from the province is clear: take action now before hazards escalate.