There is currently no sign that Mother Nature is going to help fight fires that have spread across the province.
From high heat to localized winds and lightning, Environment Canada weather forecasts show no relief for all B.C. Interior communities battling wildfires.
鈥淲e do not see any big system coming through that would bring significant amounts of rain right now,鈥� says Environment Canada meteorologist Alyssa Charbonneau. 鈥淲hat we do see is some light rain with a mix of thunderstorms as well. Not anything that is very helpful in terms of helping with the fire situation.鈥�
The Cariboo and North Thompson regions can expect hot and dry conditions with a small risk of thunderstorms and rain. Residents in the and areas are scrambling to get out of the area as wildfires continue to rage on.
鈥淚t is going to be mainly sunny today,鈥� says Charbonneau. 鈥淭here is a small hint that some cloud may be coming in tonight, with a risk of a thunderstorms developing. We are not expecting much activity before everything clears out Thursday and we move into some more dry, hot weather.鈥�
The Thompson - Nicola region is expected to stay hot and dry right through this week鈥檚 forecast, while crews battle wildfires in and
鈥淭hey are expecting hot, dry weather. Temperatures will stay in the high 20s and climbing towards the end of the week,鈥� says Charbonneau. 鈥淚t is going to stay dry.鈥�
In the Similkameen area, where fire crews are battling it is the same with dry, hot conditions expected this week and weekend.
In the Central and South Okanagan, hot and dry conditions are expected to persist.
鈥淭emperatures are going to rise at the end of the week, reaching the low 30s and remain dry.鈥�
For the North Okanagan, Shuswap and Kootenays there is signs that there could be
Over 10,000 strikes recorded over the southeastern BC yesterday.
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鈥淭owards Vernon, the Shuswap and eastern section could see a slight risk of a thunderstorm or a shower,鈥� says Charbonneau.
鈥淭emperatures in general are going to get into those low 30s later this week.鈥�
On top of the fire and heat, air quality is a major concern. A smoky skies advisory was issued for the Cariboo, Thompson, Shuswap, Okanagan, Similkameen, Fraser Canyon and Nicola regions.
As of Tuesday morning, many of the air quality ratings had taken a significant dip. There are only a few air quality stations in B.C., but so far the Williams Lake area is the worst hit.
Southern B.C. satellite loop from early this morning. Shows thick wildfire smoke.
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At the Williams Lake station the Air Quality Index is dangerously high, rated at 35 on a scale that only goes until 10. Anything above 10 is considered a 鈥榲ery high health risk鈥�.
Further south at the Kamloops station, the Air Quality Index is considered an 11, also a very high health risk.
In the North Okanagan, the rating currently sits at an eight, while the . There is no reading in the Princeton area.
Around Quesnel the rating is also reported at a seven, or a 鈥榟igh health risk鈥�.
Curious where the Smoke is heading? Check our this handy resource BlueSky:
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According to Interior Health, individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.
