Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Kelowna area

After a wet start, it has transitioned into a pleasant day in the Central Okanagan.

However, that could change this afternoon as Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Kelowna area.

The alert is in effect for both the Central and North Okanagan, as well as the South Thompson and Nicola regions.

“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain,” the alert says.

The Environment Canada forecast shows that thunderstorms are most probable between 3-7 pm.

Radar forecasts suggest that any thunder in the Kelowna area is more likely to stay up in the hills rather than hit the valley bottom.

Environment Canada warns that lightning kills and injures Canadians every year, advising people to head indoors if they hear thunder roar.