A thunderstorm watch is in effect for parts of the Thompson-Okanagan but clear sunny skies are forecast to return in time for the weekend.

(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)

A thunderstorm watch is in effect for parts of the Thompson-Okanagan today, July 25, but clear sunny skies are forecast to return in time for the weekend.

There is a 60 per cent chance of showers and a risk of severe thunderstorm activity in the forecast for Kamloops and Vernon with winds gusting up to 50 km/h, but the activity is expected to clear up this evening, according to Environment Canada.

Kelowna also has a 60 per cent chance of rain and a risk of thunderstorms, however not with a severe storm alert, with winds gusting up to 40 km/h, and is expected to be clear by this evening, while Penticton will remain sunny with winds gusting up to 40 km/h.

Highs in all regions are forecast to be between 21 Celsius and 23 C today with overnight lows between 10 C and 12 C.

Environment Canada meteorologist Chris Doyle with Environment Canada said the current temperatures are below average in the BC Interior.

“The maximum temperature average is in the upper 20s and they are mid to low today, but it gets close to average temperatures for tomorrow through to Sunday. The weather will then turn a little cooler again for a couple of days because of cloudiness.”

He said so far another heat wave is not in the cards this summer, but weather changes and it doesn’t mean it can’t happen later in August. 

Skies are forecast to be clear and sunny on Friday continuing into the weekend with Kamloops’ high at 27 C, Vernon and Kelowna at 26 C, and Penticton at 29 C and overnight lows around 15 C.

In Kamloops, Saturday is predicted to be clear and sunny with a high of 28 C and overnight low at 15 C, while the Okanagan could see some clouds with a high of 27 C and overnight low of 14 C.

Sunday should be clear and sunny in all regions with highs of 29 C and overnight lows of 15 C.

READ MORE: LOOK UP: Best meteor show of the year underway in Kamloops, Okanagan

Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch today, July 25, for the South Thompson, Nicola, Shuswap and North Okanagan regions. 

“The conditions are ready for severe thunder to develop later this after in the Interior and the concern is gusty winds and intense but short rain fall up to 15 millimetres,” Doyle said. “When heavy, intense rain hits burn scars it runs off right away.” 

For the latest on the watch and other weather warning, go to Environment Canada’s website here.

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