Warmer, sunnier weather on way for Kamloops, Okanagan this week

A damp start to the week will be followed by warmer weather and sunny breaks starting tomorrow, March 1, in Kamloops and the Okanagan.

The Environment Canada forecast calls for flurries turning to rain today and highs of 6 Celsius in Kamloops, 4 C in Vernon and Kelowna and 8 C in Penticton.

There’s expected to be a mix of sun and cloud Tuesday morning before clouding over with a 30% to 40% chance of rain but highs rising into the double digits.

The rest of the week is calling for a mix of sun and cloud with highs in the 8 C to 9 C range and overnight lows just below freezing.

READ MORE: Okanagan currently has lowest snowpack in the province

The picture is grimmer on the mountain passes with a winter storm warning in effect for Highway 1 from Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass with accumulations of snow of up to 30 cm through Tuesday.

A special weather statement is in effect for the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt and Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton.

“A series of Pacific systems is bringing periods of snow to the Southern Interior highways this morning,” the statement says. “Snowfall accumulation near 10 to 15 cm is expected. A warmer air mass will arrive and raise the snow levels to above the summit elevation this afternoon. The current guidance indicates that snow will change to rain near noon, although there is still uncertainty with the exact timing of the transition. Melting snow could result in slippery and slushy conditions on roads.”

Alpine snow pack at regional ski hills:

• 205 cm – Sun Peaks
• 171 cm – Silver Star
• 182 cm – Big White
• 165 cm – Apex

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