UPDATE: Severe thunderstorms expected in Okanagan, Similkameen, Nicola

The conditions are just right for the development of severe thunderstorms in the Central and South Okanagan, along with the Similkameen, Nicola and Boundary regions today.

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch today, June 27, that includes Kelowna and Penticton.

The thunderstorms will mostly be confined to the ridge tops flanking the Okanagan Valley, the weather office says.

Meteorologists say the forecast thunderstorms may be capable of producing strong wind gust, large hail and heavy rain, along with lightning.

“Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall,” the weather watch says.

For the latest on the severe thunderstorm watch and other weather warning, check out Environment Canada’s public weather information page here.

— This story was updated to expand the areas expecting severe thunderstorms.

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