Smoke expected in Kamloops area today but not Okanagan

Environment Canada is warning Kamloops could see increasingly smoky skies today, July 26.

“Active fires around Kamloops and Adams Lake continue to produce localized smoke, with predicted impacts extending into the Shuswap and West Columbias,” says a Smoky Skies Bulletin issued by Environment Canada at 11:56 p.m. yesterday.

It says the smoke could continue through tomorrow.

The Air Quality Health Index shows Kamloops rated as 3, or low, as of 6 a.m. today but it’s expected to creep up to a 4, moderate risk, later today and tonight. The scale goes to 10 for the highest risk level.

Smoke is also expected in the East Kootenays due to fires near Invermere and Sparwood.

The map accompanying the bulletin doesn’t show smoke in the Okanagan although the forecast is for some smoke possible late Thursday in Vernon and Penticton.

Kamloops is forecast to have a high of 27 Celsius today under sunny skies, 29 C on Thursday and 30 C on Friday with a 30% chance of showers.

The Okanagan is expected to be sunny today with highs of 26-27 C, climbing to 28-29 C on Thursday with a chance of thunderstorms over the ridges late in the afternoon. Temperatures should reach the low 30s C on the weekend.

There was heavy rain in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island yesterday with West Vancouver getting the most at 31.4 mm.

By contrast, no rainfall was recorded in Kamloops, 0.3 mm in Vernon and Penticton and 3.5 mm in Kelowna.

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