Showers, clouds and some sunshine in the Okanagan this week

Following a Thanksgiving long weekend that brought fall-like weather conditions to the Okanagan, residents can expect more of the same in the coming week.

A combination of showers, clouds and sun is in store for the next few days, including daily temperatures a few degrees below normal for this time of year.

A snowfall warning has been issued by Environment Canada for the Okanagan Connector from Kelowna to Merritt and the Trans-Canada Highway from Rogers Pass to Eagle pass with between 15 and 20 centimetres of snow expected today, Oct. 13, thanks to a frontal system moving across southern B.C. It should taper off in the afternoon.

As well, a special weather statement has been issued for the Coquihalla Highway from Kamloops through Merritt to Hope as snow continues on the mountain passes this morning.

Snow began falling overnight as snow levels dropped to around 1,000 metres, the weather office said, with the snow is expected to change to rain later this morning as snow levels rise.

Another 10 cm of snow could fall at the Coquihalla Summit between Merritt and Hope before it changes to rain later this morning before switching back to flurries near the summit overnight for another 10 cm of snowfall. About five cm of snow is expected on the Surry Lake Summit on the Kamloops to Merritt section of Highway 5.

Environment Canada warns visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow which also creates hazardous driving conditions.

The forecast for the Okanagan valley today calls for a high of 11 Celsius with an overnight low of 5 C. There is a 60 per cent chance of showers in Vernon and Kelowna, and a 40 per cent chance of showers in Penticton.

Wednesday looks like it will be a mix of sun and cloud with a high of 13 C in Vernon and Kelowna, 14 C in Penticton, and a low of 2 C in all three cities.

Sunny skies on Thursday are expected to give way to clouds and a 40 per cent chance of rain overnight, with a high of 10 C and a low of 5 C.

There is a 60 per cent chance of showers on Friday, with mostly cloudy skies, a high of 13 C and a low of 1 C expected.

Expect a mix of sun and cloud on Saturday and Sunday, with a high of 10 C on both days. Overnight low temperatures could dip to 0 C on Saturday and 1 C on Sunday.

Monday should see clouds with a 30 per cent chance of showers and a high of 10 C.

Normal temperatures in the Okanagan at this time of year are highs of 12 C and lows of 3 C.

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