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Rain in the Cariboo region earlier this week helped firefighting efforts.

While rain is not typically desired during an Okanagan summer, it is being embraced by many this time.

With wildfires in various parts of the province, including the Okanagan, a gentle summers rain added some moisture to area hills and helped firefighters.

A light rain began falling in Vernon Saturday morning while Kelowna and Penticton had overcast skies, but none of the wet stuff.

According to Environment Canada, there is a 30 per cent chance of rain throughout the Valley today.

Earlier this week, residents of Williams Lake and 100 Mile House rejoiced as a downpour hit the area, helping firefighters in their ongoing effort to stop an inferno that had destroyed numerous homes.

But the rain is not expected to last long with nothing but sunny skies and temperatures in the high 20s predicted for the rest of the week.

The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Interior Health Authority, has issued a smoky skies bulletin for several parts of the province, including the Okanagan.

People are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities and anyone experiencing difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, and sudden onset of cough or irritation of airways should contact their doctor. Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, and lung or heart disease.