Severe thunderstorm watch issued for parts of southern B.C. 

A lightning bolt is seen from the Riverbend neighbourhood in Edmonton on July 24, 2025 during a severe thunderstorm. (Samantha Goerz)

Environment Canada has placed parts of B.C.’s southern interior under a severe thunderstorm watch, Sunday.

According to the weather agency, the Nicola, South Thompson, Fraser Canyon and Okanagan regions could see thunderstorms bring strong winds, large hail and heavy rainfall.

The alert, issued just before 11 a.m., advises people within these areas to stay indoors, and monitor Environment Canada for any further updates.

It comes as much of B.C. ‘s interior battles ongoing wildfires, with over 140 raging across the province and 51 of those deemed as out of control.

Air quality advisories remain in place for some regions, including the Okanagan, deemed as a moderate to high risk as of Sunday.