A string of hot, sunny days headed for the Okanagan

OKANAGAN – The Okanagan is about to see a return to hot, sunny weather just in time for the weekend.

Environment Canada meteorologist Jonathan Bau says things are looking up after the upper cold low currently overtop of the Okanagan moves on today, July 18.

The low is bringing the chance of thunderstorms and hail to the central and northern parts of the valley today but it will be followed by transitional conditions tomorrow as a high pressure system moves into the area, clearing skies and warming temperatures in time for the weekend.

A mix of sun and cloud is forecast for the Okanagan today. There is a 70 per cent chance of showers Vernon this afternoon, with a 40 per cent chance of showers in Kelowna. There is also the risk of a thunderstorm in Vernon and Kelowna this afternoon and evening.

A high of 20 Celsius is expected in Kelowna, with a high of 19 C in Vernon and 22 C in Penticton.

Kelowna should see winds southwest at 20 km/h gusting to 40, with north winds at 30 km/h in Penticton this afternoon.

A continuing 40 per cent threat of showers continues this evening with a thunderstorm risk, and a low of 11 C in Kelowna.

Friday should see a mix of sun and cloud in the Okanagan with a high of 21 C and a low of 10 C. The skies are expected to clear overnight Friday, bringing sunshine and warmer temperatures for the weekend.

The mercury should rise to 26 C on Saturday and 30 C on Sunday, under mainly sunny skies.

The sun is expected to continue well into next week, with sunshine and highs of 32 C forecast for Monday through Wednesday.

Normal temperatures at this time of year in the Okanagan are highs of 27 C and lows of 12 C.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.