Environment Canada is anticipating a cold front to move through BC's desert-dry Central Interior this weekend, expected to develop heavy winds, thunderstorms and localized downpours.
The cold front is expected to intensify as it passes through the Central Interior overnight with increasing winds arriving from the south over the Southern Interior on Saturday.
Fri 16:55: Special weather statement in effect: Fri 16:20 to Sat 00:20. https://t.co/Qj62JtqOAY (1/2) pic.twitter.com/kGBomwBNIn
— WX Kelowna (@ww_kelowna) August 10, 2018
Winds will shift abruptly, reports Environment Canada, to a westerly direction with the passage of the front and produce heavy gusts of wind.
The forecasted development of localized downpours, wind gusts of up to 70 kilometres per hour and a risk of hail will complicate firefighting efforts in the affected regions.
Additionally, thunderstorms are also expected to make an appearance as the moisture from an upper low moving towards the coast gets involved.
The general public is advised to consider weather patterns in the area over Saturday and Sunday while enjoying their weekend plans and to stay tuned for possible updates and warnings that may be issued. Mariners, in specific, are urged to be cautious this weekend as the weather may prove difficult on the larger interior lakes.
An air quality advisory for the Okanagan also remains in effect.
