Record-setting warm winter weather also means historically low snowfall across many areas of British Columbia, and that could result in drought problems this summer.
Environment Minister Barry Penner says there are below average snow pack conditions across much of the Interior, from the Okanagan and Kootenay-area and north to the Peace.
Snow packs in all major river basins in the province are below average, varying from a low of 65 per cent of normal in the East Kootenay basin to 95 per cent of normal in the North Thompson basin.
Castlegar in the West Kootenays experienced the lowest February snowfall ever recorded and Terrace in the Skeena River basin had its driest October to February period ever.
The lack of snow could mean a repeat of the summer drought conditions of 2009, where thousands of hectares of forest were destroyed by fire and more than $400-million was spent fighting fires that threatened homes.
Mr. Penner says the forecast for cooler weather and lower freezing levels this week are welcome and spring rainfall in April, May and June will have to be at or above normal.