Weather pattern change means clear Okanagan skies

KELOWNA – Okanagan residents can breathe a sigh of relief, literally and figuratively, this week after a change in the weather pattern has brought much improved air quality.

Environment Canada meteorologist Philippe Alain Bergeron says, “it’s a different situation from last week” when a high pressure ridge “kept the lid” on smoky conditions.

Cooler temperatures and westerly winds have resulted in a much-improved venting pattern that should continue through the week, Bergeron says.

Wildfire smoke may drift into the valley at times, he says, but it will be nothing like what the valley had been experiencing over the last couple of weeks.

Expect blue skies today, Aug. 27, with a high of 22 Celsius. Skies will cloud over tonight, but clear up tomorrow, with a high in the mid-20s.

Wednesday should see a 40 per cent chance of showers and a high of 22 C, followed by a 30 per cent chance of showers on Thursday and a high of 22 C. On Friday, the forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud with a high of 22 C.

Normal temperatures for this time of year in the Okanagan are highs of 24 C and lows of 10 C.

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