Hold onto your hat; strong winds blowing through Kamloops area

KAMLOOPS – The forecast calls for unusually gusty winds for the South Thompson and Nicola regions, including Kamloops and Merritt today.

The strong west to southwest winds will develop this morning, Sept. 20, according to a Special Weather Statement issued by Environment Canada.

Meteorologists say the winds will peak this afternoon with speeds of 50 kilometres per hour gusting to 80 km/h before weakening this evening.

“Although the wind speeds are below warning criteria, these winds could have impact on travel and personal property,” the Weather Statement says. “The public is advised to monitor future forecasts and warnings as warnings may be required or extended.”

Along with the strong winds, today’s forecast calls for a 60 per cent chance of showers late this afternoon, and into the early evening, with a high of 20. The winds will become light by midnight.

For back to work on Monday, the forecast calls for a mostly sunny day with a high of 20 C.

For the very latest forecast and warnings check out Environment Canada’s website.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Howard Alexander at halexander@infonews.ca. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.