Brief reprieve from the heat in the Okanagan

KELOWNA – Unsettled and cooler conditions are in store for the Okanagan, but there may not be much relief for wildfire fighters as a result.

Environment Canada meteorologist Matt MacDonald says the valley can expect to see stronger winds tonight as a complicated wind pattern sets up in the region.

“We’re anticipating stronger winds tonight, but abnormally dry conditions will continue. There’s no rain in sight,” he says, adding the region will continue to see the passage of dry cold fronts that will bring lightning and wind but no rain, such as the one that started most of the fires in the Okanagan on Tuesday evening.

Okanagan residents can expect to see highs touching 30 Celsius today, July 19, with smoky skies throughout the valley. Environment Canada has issued a smoky skies bulletin for the Okanagan.

MacDonald says winds will swing back and forth shifting from north to south this evening.

Tomorrow will see a big drop in temperature, with a high of 22 C expected and a 60 per cent chance of showers in the North and Central Okanagan.

Saturday should be a mix of sun and cloud with a high of 23 C, with light winds forecast.

On Sunday expect a return to the sunshine and wind, with temperatures reaching 29 C as the new week begins.

Normal temperatures for this time of year in the Okanagan are highs of 27 C and lows of 12 C.

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