(ROB MUNRO / iNFOnews.ca)

Record-breaking heat last week has given way to cool nights and a strong chance of showers this week.

And, of course, that heat contributed to devastating wildfires that are still filling the skis with smoke.

Even Kamloops, which escaped much of the smoke on the weekend, is subject to an Environment Canada smoky skies bulletin that warns about wildfire smoke for at least the next 24-48 hours.

But there is also a 30-60% chance of showers this afternoon, Aug. 21, with more coming over the next two days. That brings with it the risk of thunderstorms as well.

Kamloops has the greatest chance of showers at 60% today, dropping to 30% tomorrow and Wednesday. The high temperature is expected to reach 27 Celsius today but only 21-23 C over the next couple of days before warming up to the low 30’s C on the weekend.

Kelowna, which had dropped to 7 C by 6 a.m. today, is facing a 40% chance of showers this afternoon and a high of 25 C.

The overnight lows in Kamloops and the rest of the Okanagan were in the low teens.

The chance of showers for the Okanagan rises to 70% tomorrow then drops to 30% Wednesday. By Sunday it could get up to 30 C with sunshine.

Vernon is expecting a high of 24 C today while Penticton could get to 26 C.

The Air Quality Health Index, which is a scale of 1-10, shows Kamloops and the Okanagan at 10+ this morning, meaning a very high health risk where people are better off to stay indoors.

It’s forecast to ease later today and even more tomorrow.

The PM 2.5 index records fine particulate matter than is most harmful to health. The target is 12 micrograms per cubic metre of air with anything above 35 is considered bad air quality.

Kamloops, at 6 a.m., was reading 331.7 while Kelowna was at 169.4 for the previous hour.

Yesterday, at noon, Kelowna hit 354 for a one-hour period while Kamloops was a mere 14.4. Penticton and Vernon, at that time, were between 185 and 190.

This morning, Vernon was at 137.6 for a one-hour period and Penticton was 180.8.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Rob Munro or call 250-808-0143 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. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here.

News from © iNFOnews, 2023