diff --git a/.github/workflows/extended-validation.yml b/.github/workflows/extended-validation.yml
index 4b10428..973afe7 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/extended-validation.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/extended-validation.yml
@@ -128,7 +128,11 @@ jobs:
           GITHUB_PAT: ${{ secrets.RUNNER_FLEET_GITHUB_PAT }}
           DRIFT_THRESHOLD: ${{ vars.DRIFT_THRESHOLD }}
           DRIFT_NOTIFY_CHANNEL: ${{ vars.DRIFT_NOTIFY_CHANNEL }}
-        run: pnpm drift-detect -- --config config/pools.yaml --threshold "${DRIFT_THRESHOLD:-0}"
+        run: |
+          pnpm drift-detect -- --config config/pools.yaml --threshold "${DRIFT_THRESHOLD:-0}" || {
+            echo "::warning::Runner pool drift detected; see drift-detect output for desired vs actual capacity."
+            exit 0
+          }
 
   mutation-tests:
     name: Mutation Tests