Environment Canada warns of strong thunderstorms, heavy rain this weekend

May 29, 2020 | 10:21 AM Pete McIntyre

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for much of the Southern Interior based on a weather system predicted to enter the area on the weekend.

The statement encompasses the Okanagan, South Thompson, Shuswap and Nicola regions, among others.

Environment Canada says a low pressure system is forecast to enter the area on Saturday.

Strong thunderstorms with heavy winds are predicted to begin Saturday afternoon and heavy rain is expected to last into Sunday.

The forecaster says that could put a strain on local rivers, already bursting with water from the spring snowmelt.

5:10 AM PDT Friday 29 May 2020
Special weather statement in effect for:

Central Okanagan – including Kelowna
North Okanagan – including Vernon
South Okanagan – including Penticton

Strong thunderstorms late Saturday followed by significant rainfall on Sunday.

A significant change in the weather will arrive on Saturday as a low pressure system enters B.C. from Washington State. Ahead of the low Saturday afternoon, atmospheric conditions are potentially conducive to strong thunderstorms with frequent lightning and very strong wind gusts. Heavy rain may accompany these storms.

Widespread rainfall will accompany the low pressure system Saturday night and Sunday which may strain local rivers.