Watson Lake residents are in for an unseasonably warm week with temperatures pushing well above normal and a risk of thunderstorms in the forecast, according to Environment Canada.
As of early Wednesday afternoon, the temperature at Watson Lake Airport had climbed to 26.2°C, with northwest winds at 25 km/h. The daytime high on August 5 is expected to reach 28°C, about 8 degrees above the typical August maximum of 20°C.
Along with the heat comes a 30 percent chance of showers Wednesday afternoon, and the forecast includes a risk of thunderstorms over the ridges later in the day. The UV index is listed as 5, or moderate.
Looking ahead, the warm spell will gradually ease. A chance of showers lingers through the weekend, with temperatures dropping to around 21-22°C by Sunday. The Weather Network is calling for a risk of a thunderstorm on Sunday, August 9, with a 70 percent chance of rain and 2 to 4 millimetres expected.
Anyone planning to be outdoors, especially this afternoon near higher ground, should keep an eye on the sky and be ready to take shelter if thunder roars.
