It’s been a beautiful few days in the Okanagan, but that could change in an instant this afternoon.

An unstable atmosphere is heading our way, which will lead to widespread rain and a risk of thunderstorms throughout the region this afternoon and evening.

“Total rainfall amounts will be highly variable, ranging from 5 mm to upwards of 30 mm in areas affected by thunderstorms,” says Environment Canada’s weather alert. 

“While pinpointing the exact location and timing of thunderstorms is impossible, the heaviest precipitation is expected east of Okanagan Lake and into the Kootenays tonight.”

This weather pattern is expected to continue into Wednesday, but the worst of it is expected tonight.

Photo Credit: Grant Stovel

Environment Canada says residents should be prepared for heavy downpours as the melting snowpacks have already caused creeks to rise and flow fast. 

You can find the River Forecast Centre’s flood warnings and advisories by clicking this link.