British Columbia

Thunderstorms, rain and hail predicted for southeastern B.C.

Severe thunderstorm warnings and watches have been issued for much of B.C.'s southern Interior on Thursday.

Severe thunderstorm warnings issued for much of the southern Interior on Thursday

A bolt of lightning is seen. Some tree branches flank the lightning in the foreground.
Lightning is predicted in parts of the province Thursday evening. (Eric Foss/CBC)

Severe thunderstorm warnings and watches have been posted for a large section of southeastern B.C., cautioning residents that lightning, strong winds, hail and heavy rain are all possible. 

A map with grey, yellow and red sections
Yellow sections are under a severe thunderstorm watch, while red indicates areas under a severe thunderstorm warning, meaning severe weather will occur. (Environment Canada)

Environment Canada issued a warning for the Arrow Lakes and Slocan Lake, Boundary, South Okanagan and South Thompson regions, saying its meteorologists are tracking a cluster of severe thunderstorms in the area. 

A thunderstorm watch also covers a section of the province from the Cariboo south to the Canada-U.S. border and along parts of the Alberta boundary. The forecaster says conditions could see the development of severe thunderstorms with damaging hail, strong winds and rain.

Environment Canada says people need to take immediate cover if the storms approach and if they're outside, they'll need to protect themselves from flying debris and hail. 

The weather office says there is also the potential for more forest fires, as the lightning that comes with the storms is sweeping over areas that have experienced a recent heat wave.

In its provincial situation report issued Wednesday, the B.C. Wildfire Service said lower temperatures and increasing humidity across B.C. would help reduce the intensity of wildfires already burning. Although there is potential for new fires started by lightning, the fire service said rainfall would accompany forecasted storms, which could aid the wildfire fight. 

With files from CBC News