Expect a wet start to the weekend in the Okanagan

Enjoy the sun in the Okanagan today because it's not expected to last for the weekend.

Environment Canada meteorologist Doug Lundquist says a weather system from the northwest will bring a cooling trend to start the weekend before things clear up for Sunday.

Although monthly stats aren't complete, Lundquist says this April's average temperature has been running around a half to one degree above normal so far.

The Okanagan forecast calls for mainly sunny conditions today, with wind becoming north at 20 km/h around noon, a high of 18 Celsius and a low of 5 C in Vernon and Kelowna.

It should be a little warmer in Penticton with a forecast high of 19 C, with a low of 7 C.

Tonight the clouds are expected to move in, bringing a 30 per cent chance of showers late this evening and overnight.

A 30 per cent threat of showers will continue through Friday, with a high of 15 C in Vernon and Kelowna, and a high of 17 C in Penticton.

Lundquist says there is a potential for snow on B.C. mountain passes with the system.

"We're not out of the woods in terms of snow tires on mountain passes yet," he says.

Saturday’s forecast calls for a 60 per cent chance of showers with a high of 12 C and an overnight low of 0 C in all regions.

Sunny but below seasonal temperatures are expected to start next week, with Sunday and Monday's high at 14 C, and overnight lows at 2 C.

Tuesday is also expected to be sunny and a little warmer, at 18 C, and a low of 4 C.

The normal highs and lows for Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton for this time of year is 17 C and 4 C.

If it's sun you are looking for, they should have plenty on the coast. Vancouver has nothing but sun and a little clouds for the next seven days. Ironic, huh?

Still, it could always be worse.

Lundquist says other parts of the country haven't been so fortunate, with Edmonton expecting rain or snow and a high of 4 C this weekend, Toronto expected to be cool and showery, and widespread reports of flooding in Quebec and New Brunswick.

The cooler temperatures in the B.C. Interior is exactly what we need for a slow snow melt if we are to avoid flooding in creeks and streams. 

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