Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, damaging hail and torrential rain.
Very large hail can damage property, break windows, dent vehicles and cause serious injury. Very strong wind gusts can damage buildings, down trees and blow large vehicles off the road. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year.
Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors. Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.
In addition to the thunderstorm warning, smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility. High levels of smoke continue in northeastern B.C and around Williston Lake. For other regions, new fire activity over the past 24 hours will contribute to local smoke conditions. Expect haze and smoke conditions to be highly variable, especially in areas near new fires. Local precipitation may only temporarily improve smoke conditions
Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke. People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.
Speak with your health care provider about developing a management plan for wildfire smoke events and maintaining a supply of necessary medications at home and always carrying these medications with you during wildfire season.
Take a break from the smoke at a location in your community where you can find clean, cool air. For more information on current air quality, visit www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air. Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.