After an extended gloomy spring, the Fraser Valley may be experiencing the driest August and September since 1945, with just 10.4 millimetres of rain recorded in the two months so far.

"We could be setting some records by the month's end," said David Jones, a senior meteorologist with Environment Canada.

There was 3.8 mm of precipitation recorded at the Abbotsford airport for the month of August, with another 6.6 mm recorded on Sept. 9 and 10.

"That's a grand total of 10.4 mm," said Jones on Wednesday, and so far that's the lowest recorded rainfall since 1945, the earliest rain records for Abbotsford.

The last driest year for the two-month period had 16 mm of rain in 1974. Other dry late summers were in 1988 with 25 mm, 1989 with 39 mm and 1993, with 41 mm.

Although weather models earlier this week suggested there was some rain relief in sight for Friday and again on Monday, the forecast is changing.

"The models show there is a weather system headed this way but it's weakening as it approaches. It's going to stay dry for some time, and it's quite possible we won't see any precipitation toward the end of the month, into October," said Jones.

Throughout August and September most of the province and the Fraser Valley saw hot, dry conditions.

The north coast is expected to get a soaking, but even it if rains in the Fraser Valley in the next few days, it won't be much, said Jones.

"The southern half of the province will be dry for a bit here. We need a good soaking."

The dry days have not affected local reservoirs, however.

Rick Bomhof, the director of engineering and public works at the District of Mission, said the joint Abbotsford-Mission reservoirs at Dixon and the Cannell Lake that supply both communities are relatively full.

"They are in reasonably good shape. There is no reason to be alarmed," said Bomhof.

The abundant July rainfall may have helped keep reservoir levels up, as well as reduced water consumption, he added.

There have been relatively few problems associated with the dry weather so far, other than a few residents who have had to be reminded that the summer lawn sprinkling regulations are on till the end of the month.

Local parks are faring well, and any high used areas, such as playing fields are regularly irrigated by the district to keep them healthy, said Bomhof. Now heavy dew in the mornings is starting to green up lawns, he said.

Bomhof's department has seen an steady decrease in water consumption since 2008, the year after the municipalities imposed a complete sprinkling summer ban to protect reservoir levels.

Increased public awareness from education campaigns, municipal rebate programs for water-efficient appliances and toilets, and the new digital water meters in Abbotsford that provide more precise data on water use may all encourage local residents to watch their water use, he said.

"It seems people are getting the message that outdoor watering is not a priority," said Bomhof.

Both municipalities will continue to have sprinkling restrictions until Sept. 30.

Even numbered addresses can sprinkle lawns on Wednesday and Saturday, odd numbers on Thursday and Sunday from 6 - 8 a.m. only.