Okanagan could see record high temperatures with arrival of Pacific weather system

A vigorous weather system originating in the South Pacific is expected to bring unseasonably warm temperatures with some rain to the Okanagan tomorrow and Saturday.

Environment Canada meteorologist Doug Lundquist says while it is possible high temperature records could be set in the Okanagan, it's Kamloops that has the best chance. The previous Jan. 31 high for Kamloops at 13.3 Celsius could be eclipsed tomorrow with the forecast calling for a high of 15 C in that city.

The forecast calls for lower highs in the Okanagan, but Lundquist says there is a possibility of record setting highs prior to a cold front making its way down the valley Saturday afternoon.

“The further south the more likely we are to set a record on Saturday, because that cold front won’t be there yet, but it’s pretty fast moving. Friday will likely be the warmest, and in Kamloops, due to a Chinook effect there,” Lundquist says.

Heavy rain is expected on the coast, but Lundquist says only a few millimetres are expected in the Okanagan.

Cloudy skies along with a 60 per cent chance of rain are in store tomorrow, with a high of 7 C expected in Vernon and Kelowna, and 9 C in Penticton, along with a low of 4 C in all three cities. Showers are expected Friday night.

More showers are in store for Saturday with a high of 4 C. An approaching cold front should clear skies Saturday night, dropping temperatures to -6 C.

Sunday is expected to be sunny with a high of 1 C. Cloudy skies Sunday night could be accompanied by a 30 per cent chance of flurries and a low to -5 C.

A mix of sun and cloud is in store Monday with a high of 2 C and a low of -7 C.

Tuesday should see cloudy skies return and a high of 0 C. Clouds and a 60 per cent chance of flurries are expected Tuesday night with a low of -5 C.

More clouds and a 60 per cent chance of flurries is anticipated on Wednesday with a high reaching 2 C.

Normal temperatures at this time of year in the Okanagan are highs of -1 C and lows of -7 C.

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