The noon-hour thunderstorm that moved through Prince George was much less severe than the one that dumped heavy rain and produced strong winds early in the morning.
But the potential was there for those afternoon storms to do some significant damage, prompting a weather warning from Environment Canada. The first storm was detected 15 kilometres southeast of Prince George and it moved east of the city. The other storm came in from the north and rolled over Bear Lake Provincial Park and Crystal Lake recreational site , both popular weekend destinations for campers and picnickers.
More thundershowers are expected in Prince George this afternoon and this evening. Further updates are available on www.weather.gc.ca.
There was a spectacular light show overnight which provided the city its first significant rainfall in week but high winds downed some trees and homeowners woke up to see huge branches of their trees snapped off. The rain cleared the smoky that had enveloped the city for several days and blue skies prevailed for most of the morning Saturday.
But the smoke from wildfires southwest of Prince George is predicted by Environment Canada to return today and Sunday.
The chemicals in wildfire smoke are damaging to the health of people and animals and may produce symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, headaches and shortness of breath. Children, seniors and those with cardiovascular or lung disease are particularly at risk. Take extra precautions to reduce exposure to the air and avoid extended periods of exercise when it is smoky.
The heat wave will continue for a third week, giving Prince George above-normal temperatures next week. After baking the city to a high of 24 C today, the sun will return on Sunday with a high of 25 C expected. Monday will reach 29 C, Tuesday is forecast for 31 C, and Wednesday’s high will be 28 C. There’s a 60 per cent chance of showers on Thursday with a predicted high of 27 C.
