Like most of southern British Columbia and central Washington , the Okanagan Country experiences a semi-arid climate ( Köppen climate classification '' BSk '' ) , with little precipitation , hot summers and moderate winters . Northern communities have more precipitation and receive cooler temperatures . The city of Kelowna is generally considered to be a transition point between the semi-arid south and the somewhat wetter north , accompanied by a change in climate classification to humid continental ( Dfb ) . Vegetation ranges from cactus and sagebrush in the southern portion , to cedar and hemlock trees in the northern portion . The region was affected by 1872 North Cascades earthquake , the state 's largest historical earthquake , on December 14 , 1872 . The center of the earthquake was located at Omak Lake . The earthquake had a magnitude between 6.5 and 7.0 and was followed by an aftershock
1872 North Cascades earthquake
1872 North Cascades earthquake
Okanagan Country