Showers expected before a return to sunny skies in the Okanagan

KELOWNA – Some showers and cooler temperatures are in the Okanagan forecast before sunny skies and warm temperatures return next week.

Environment Canada meteorologist Matt MacDonald says the Okanagan has experienced a 50 mm precipitation deficit in the last three months, so any rain this month would be welcome.

He says the region can expect five to 10 mm of rain between tomorrow and Saturday before a high pressure system builds over the area, bringing back sunny skies and warm temperatures.

“That’s good news, but it’s a relatively small drop in the bucket right now,” MacDonald says.

The weather models indicate the Okanagan could head into a showery pattern around mid-June but predictions beyond a week or a week and a half can be difficult. The weather office continues to predict a hot, dry summer for southern B.C., so June rains will be important, MacDonald says.

Today, June 6, in Vernon and Kelowna expect a mix of sun and cloud along with a 30 per cent chance of showers with southwest winds at 20 km/h and a high of 19 Celsius. It should be cloudy tonight with a 40 per cent chance of showers late this evening and overnight.

Penticton should reach a high of 18 C today, along with a 40 per cent chance of showers through today and this evening.

Tomorrow should see periods of rain in the Okanagan. At higher elevations, the snow level is expected to rise from 1,500 to 1,900 metres late in the afternoon. Tomorrow's high should reach 14 C with a low of 7 C.

Saturday should see a return to sunny skies and a high of 19 C.

Sunday and Monday should be sunny with a high of 22 C and 25 C respectively.

Normal temperatures this time of year in the Okanagan are highs of 22 C and lows of 9 C.

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