Smoky South Okanagan skies over Skaha Lake, Monday, July 17, 2017.

(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)

KELOWNA – Rain is expected later this week as the Okanagan’s long dry stretch is forecast to come to an end.

Today, July 17, will be smoky though, as wildfires continue to burn throughout the province. Environment Canada expects the sun to be out, but in the Okanagan it’ll be difficult to see through the layer of smoke. A high of about 29 Celsius is expected todays. In the South Okanagan, wind will be blowing through at 20 km/h with gusts up to 40 km/h. Overnight you can expect a low of 12 C in the valley.

An air quality alert is still in effect throughout the Okanagan due to the smoke in the sky.

To check the air quality in your area, got to B.C Air Quality online or check the status of the air quality statement here.

Tomorrow will be similar, with mainly sunny skies expected above the layer of smoke. Skies in the South Okanagan could be clearer with some wind in the forecast. Daytime highs of 32 C and nighttime lows of 13 C are expected.

Wednesday the smoke may not be sitting so heavy and we may actually see the sunny skies that are forecast. A high of 31 C is expected. At night the temperature should drop to 15 C as some clouds role in.

Thursday during the day there is a 60 per cent chance of showers, the first precipitation of July for the Okanagan, along with cloudy skies and highs near 24 C. Overnight periods of rain are forecast, with a low of 10 C.

Friday that precipitation may already be on its way out, with a 60 per chance of showers during the day and a mix of sun and cloud. A high of 29 C is predicted. Friday night skies are expected to clear up again, with a low of 14 C.

Temperatures on the weekend are currently predicted to be quite warm, peaking in the low 30s during the day and falling to the mid-teens at night.

Normal temperatures for this time of the year in the Okanagan are highs of 29 C and lows of 14 C.

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