The wind and unsettled weather is expected to continue across the B.C. interior, and according to the BC Wildfire Service, these conditions have the potential to pose challenges to efforts to contain the many wildfires currently burning.

A weakening cold front pushing southward moved past Williams Lake earlier this evening. In its wake, gusty northerly winds developed.

Photo Credit: The view looking north from downtown Kamloops

On Sunday the front will move into the Kootenays. Unsettled conditions in the wake of the front will produce gusty westerly winds in the afternoon over most regions. Scattered thunderstorms are also expected to develop across much of the Central Interior.

Brief showers with strong wind gusts to 70 km/h are possible near thunderstorms as far south as the 100 Mile House, North Thompson and Shuswap regions. There is a slight risk of dry lightning as far south as the South Thompson this afternoon.

Temperatures will drop 6 to 8 degrees on Sunday in the cooler and drier airmass. Gradual warming will resume Monday.

The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Interior Health Authority, has also issued a Smoky Skies Bulletin for the Kinbasket, North Columbia, West Columbia, East Columbia, Okanagan, Similkameen, Nicola, South Thompson, North Thompson, 100 Mile, North and South Cariboo, and Chilcotin.

Smoke concentrations will vary widely as winds, fire behaviour and temperatures change. Residents of the areas above are warned to stay inside if you experience breathing problems. The bulletin will remain in effect until further notice.