50 km/h winds expected

Photo: talktochums

Cache Creek fire

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement warning of high winds across the B.C. Interior.

“The ridge of high pressure that has been dominating the weather over southern BC will give way to a cold front on Saturday,” the alert reads “Widespread winds of 20 to 50 km/h are expected beginning Saturday afternoon.”

Local gusts of up to 70 km/h are possible in some valleys and canyons.

The only rain accompanying the front is expected north of the Cariboo region. Lightning is also possible over the the central and northern Interior as well as over the Kootenays and Columbia's.

“Temperatures will drop by six to eight degrees in the wake of the front Sunday,” the alert continues. “Unfortunately, significant rain continues to elude the southern half of the province for the foreseeable future.”

The B.C. Wildfire Service has said this weekend will be a big test for them as fires continue to rage around the province.