Summer-like heat expected in Okanagan this week

OKANAGAN – A rebuilding high pressure ridge is expected to bring summer weather conditions back to the Okanagan this week after some much needed rain fell this past weekend.

Environment Canada meteorologist Bobby Sekhon says the rain wasn’t as widespread as predicted, with Kelowna and Penticton recording less than 5 mm on the weekend. Vernon was the odd man out with about 12 mm of rain.

Sekhon says spring precipitation in the Okanagan can be a challenge to predict, as the nature of low pressure systems in the spring vary compared to fall and winter.

“The precipitation tends to be showery in nature, making it difficult to predict exactly how much rain will fall. Weather systems in the fall and winter tend to be more organized and widespread,” he says.

Sekhon says temperatures should peak Wednesday, followed by a developing low pressure system expected to bring the possibility of showers and a thunderstorm on Thursday. Drier conditions are expected in time for the weekend.

The Environment Canada forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud, and a high of 23 Celsius today, June 10, in Vernon and Kelowna. Winds are expected to become north at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 this afternoon.

It should be a little warmer today in Penticton with a high of 26 C.

Sunny conditions are expected tomorrow in the Okanagan with a high of around 28 C. It should be clear overnight with a low of 13 C expected.

The heat ramps up on Wednesday with an anticipated high of 32 C. Cloudy periods are expected to move in Wednesday night with a low of 16 C expected.

Thursday should see a mix of sun and cloud along with a 30 per cent chance of showers and a high of 28 C.  Cloudy periods and a 30 per cent possibility of showers is expected Thursday night, with an overnight low of 14 C.

Sunny conditions are expected Friday with a high of 28 C.

Normal temperatures this time of year in the Okanagan are highs of 23 C and lows of 9 C.

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