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Environment Canada warns of locally heavy rain and thunderstorms in parts of B.C.
Flash flooding and landslides are possible in vulnerable areas, especially recent wildfire burn scars.
Outdoor workers should check local weather alerts before heading to work.
The current special weather statement covers the Fraser Canyon, South Thompson and Nicola regions.
Environment Canada says an upper-level low moving across the South Coast and southwestern interior is expected to bring showers and thunderstorms.
Because thunderstorms can be highly localized, the heaviest rainfall may vary considerably from one community to another.
The agency is advising residents to continue monitoring updated weather alerts and forecasts.
The main concern is short periods of heavy rainfall.
Environment Canada says rainfall rates could become high enough to produce localized flash flooding, particularly where showers move slowly.
Water can also collect quickly in areas with poor drainage.
Drivers and outdoor workers should therefore pay close attention to changing conditions, especially around low-lying areas, roads and construction sites.
The rainfall comes with an additional concern for areas affected by recent wildfires.
Wildfire burn scars can have unstable soil and reduced vegetation, making some locations more vulnerable to landslides and debris flows during heavy rain.
Environment Canada says these conditions could create risks for public safety, infrastructure and nearby communities.
Kelowna is also expected to experience unsettled weather on Saturday.
Environment Canada's forecast calls for showers, a risk of thunderstorms late in the morning and afternoon, and local smoke.
The forecast calls for around 10 to 15 millimetres of local precipitation and a high near 18°C. Winds are expected to become northerly at around 20 km/h, with gusts reaching 40 km/h in the afternoon.
Local smoke is also expected to remain part of the weather picture.
For people working indoors, the weather may not necessarily prevent a normal workday.
Outdoor workers, however, should check their local forecast and alerts before leaving home.
Construction workers, road crews, landscapers, delivery workers and others who spend significant time outdoors may face additional risks if thunderstorms or heavy rain develop.
If lightning, flooding or rapidly worsening conditions occur, workers should follow their employer's safety procedures and move to a safer location when required.
Heavy rainfall can reduce visibility and create difficult road conditions.
Localized flooding can also affect roads and drainage systems, particularly where rainfall is intense over a short period.
Drivers travelling through affected parts of B.C. should check current road and weather conditions before starting their journey and avoid flooded roadways.
The weather situation is complicated by continuing local wildfire smoke.
Environment Canada's Kelowna forecast includes local smoke, while its broader B.C. forecast information says smoke impacts are expected to remain variable as winds change.
Smoke conditions can change quickly depending on wind direction and nearby wildfire activity.
People who are sensitive to smoke should check local air-quality information before spending extended periods outdoors.
Before heading to work, outdoor workers should:
Conditions can change quickly when thunderstorms develop, so checking the forecast only once in the morning may not be enough.
Environment Canada says the current weather system could produce locally significant rainfall, but the exact location and amount of the heaviest precipitation remains uncertain because thunderstorms can develop in highly localized areas.
Residents and workers in the affected regions should continue checking official forecasts throughout the day.
Saturday's weather is not a Canada-wide storm event, but parts of British Columbia need extra caution.
The biggest concerns are heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, localized flash flooding and landslides, particularly in areas affected by recent wildfires.
For people working outdoors, the safest approach is to check the latest local alert before leaving and continue monitoring conditions during the day.
If severe weather develops, personal safety should take priority over outdoor work.
Environment Canada says thunderstorms could produce locally heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding in parts of British Columbia. Areas affected by recent wildfires may also face an increased landslide risk. Outdoor workers should check the latest local alert before starting work and follow workplace safety procedures if conditions worsen.
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Environment Canada has issued the statement for the Fraser Canyon, South Thompson and Nicola regions.
Yes. Environment Canada says thunderstorms could produce rainfall rates high enough to cause localized flash flooding, particularly where showers move slowly.
Yes. Areas affected by recent wildfires may have an increased risk of landslides and debris flows because heavy rainfall can destabilize vulnerable soils.
Kelowna's Environment Canada forecast calls for showers, a risk of thunderstorms late in the morning and afternoon, local smoke and a high around 18°C.
Yes. Workers in affected areas should check the latest local weather alerts and follow workplace safety procedures, particularly if thunderstorms, heavy rain or rapidly changing conditions are expected.
