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More thunderstorms on the way as fires still burn

Environment Canada is forecasting lightning for the Okanagan and Shuswap
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A large lightning storm moved through the region Tuesday evening. Photo taken from Royal View Drive in Kelowna by Mat O’Flynn.

Following Tuesday night’s thunderstorm that sparked 22 wildfires in the Kamloops Fire Centre, it’s expected more thunderstorms will hit the region today.

Environment Canada is forecasting a risk of a thunderstorm for the Okanagan and Shuswap. Lighting and rain are anticipated for the Shuswap region, while the Okanagan could see strong winds this afternoon.

RELATED: More lightning forecast as storm sparks 38 new wildfires in B.C.

While the heat advisory has been lifted for the Okanagan, temperatures are anticipated to reach 32 C or 35 C with the humidex. The UV index for the Okanagan-Shuswap will hit 10, or very high.

Thursday will be slightly cooler for the Okanagan at 30 C with a southwest wind of 20 km/hr in the afternoon.

For the Shuswap, Environment Canada is forecasting mix of sun and cloud in the morning with a 30 per cent chance of showers in the afternoon and a high of 29 C.

RELATED: Vernon residents quick to jump on lightning fire

Fires that started following Tuesday’s lightning storm grew quickly due to the tinder dry conditions and the record high temperatures.

Vernon set a record at 36.9 C beating out the 2004 record of 36.7 C. The Nelson area also hit a new record at 37.4 C, over the 1941 record of 37.2 C.


@Jen_zee
jen.zielinski@bpdigital.ca

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A large lightning storm moved through the region Tuesday evening. Photo taken from SilverStar in Vernon by Paul Kenward.


Jen Zielinski

About the Author: Jen Zielinski

Graduated from the broadcast journalism program at BCIT. Also holds a bachelor of arts degree in political science and sociology from Thompson Rivers University.
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