Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Okanagan-Shuswap

VERNON – It looks like Mother Nature doesn't plan on taking a long weekend.

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Central and North Okanagan, Shuswap, Arrow Lakes, Slocan Lake and West Columbia.

"Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing large hail and heavy rain," reads the Environment Canada alert released Saturday, Aug. 31.

According to Environment Canada, the ridge of high pressure that has been in place will weaken over the southern Interior today, which, combined with warm temperatures, will result in "unstable conditions."

"Strong wind shear and a good amount of moisture moving in from the southwest are also in place. With these added ingredients there is potential for some thunderstorms to become severe this afternoon and early this evening," the alert reads.

Severe thunderstorm watches denote conditions that are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could also produce either large hail, damaging winds or torrential rainfall.

"Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors."

Environment Canada predicts that Saturday's inclement weather will continue Sunday before giving way to clear skies Monday, Sept. 2.

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