Severe storm risk returns to B.C.'s Interior

Wednesday, July 27, 2016, 12:28 PM - Despite the perfect forecast along B.C.'s coast, the southern Interior faces the risk for severe thunderstorms once again on Wednesday. Frequent lightning, heavy downpours and strong winds are the primary threats.

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"Thunderstorms will develop across the Kootenay and Columbia regions beginning near midday and there is the potential for some of these storms to become severe," says Environment Canada in a severe thunderstorm watch issued early Wednesday morning. "Heavy downpours and strong wind gusts are the main concerns however hail is also possible."

EC warns that heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads, so drivers are being urged to adjust travel plans if necessary.

"On the other hand, you can't beat Wednesday's forecast along the coast," adds Weather Network meteorologist Kelly Sonnenburg. "There will be mainly sunny skies, warm temperatures and humidity will make temperatures feel closer to 30."

According to Sonnenburg, an upper low will track into the coast for the weekend bringing an end to the really warm temperatures and keeping conditions more seasonal.

Looking at the month of August as a whole, B.C. could average out slightly above seasonal, though not excessively hot.