Weather conditions in the South Thompson, Okanagan and Nicola regions are just right for thunderstorms.

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch this afternoon, July 7, that includes Kamloops, Merritt, Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton.

The weather office says conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms with strong wind gust, large hail, heavy rain and, of course, lightning.

“Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall,” the watch says.

For the latest on the watch or other warnings, check out Environment Canada’s weather information page here.

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