UPDATE: Beautiful weekend in Okanagan could be clouded by smoke

OKANAGAN – There's more hot weather ahead for the Okanagan this weekend, but it could be clouded by smoke.

These smoky skies are expected to continue until at least Friday while most of the Okanagan bakes under temperatures in the mid-30s. According to Environment Canada's five-day forecast, smoke is expected until then, but since their technology can only forecast smoke two days in advance, there's no telling when the haze will lift.

Environment Canada expects that smoke to become more widespread after midnight tonight, Aug. 3. A special air quality statement is in effect for the Okanagan as smoke causes poor air quality and reduces visibility. Smoke concentrations will depend on the wind, fire behaviour, and temperature changes as stated in Environment Canada's special air quality statement. The UV Index is 8.

Tomorrow should again be smoky throughout the Okanagan. Temperatures in Kelowna and Vernon which are expected to reach the mid-30s. Penticton will be slightly cooler with a predicted high of 32 C, however, 36 C is expected near Osoyoos.

The smoke could hang around and cloud the sun for the long weekend. The heat wave will continue Saturday. The forecast calls for highs around 34 C.

This forecast is expected to continue into Sunday. There should also be sunshine and temperatures reaching a high around 35 C.

The heat wave is expected to continue into early next week with a high of 35 C predicted for Monday.

– This story was corrected at 3:59 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017 to explain that Environment Canada's technology only allows for a smoke forecast two days in advance. It's not yet clear when the smoke will lift.

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