Cold and unsettled weather that blew in with the long weekend finally seems to have passed.

But not without one last punch Sunday evening that brought strong winds and even hail to parts of the Okanagan.

Travellers on Highway 97C were met with thunder, lightning and heavy rain between Merritt and West Kelowna. At the Merritt Visitor’s Information Centre, dime-sized hail covered the parking lot about 4 p.m.

Meanwhile, waves crashed on Okanagan Lake and trees swayed violently in the wind.

Despite the turbulent weekend, residents woke to sunshine, Monday.

A high of 22 C is forecast today, and temperatures are expected to reach 28 C on Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday will see a chance showers, with a mix of sun and cloud for Friday and a high of 28 C.

By the weekend, we're back into the thirties, with a forecast high of 33 C on Saturday and 34 C on Sunday.

Last week’s cool temperatures and rain helped with the fire danger rating. It dropped from high to very low or low in the Central Okanagan. While some areas are still rated moderate, the majority of the Southern Interior is now rated at low risk. 

Photo: Contributed