File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Aaron Schulze

Thunderstorm Activity

Frequent thunderstorm activity expected in Kamloops throughout the spring

Apr 2, 2025 | 10:47 AM

KAMLOOPS — The thunderstorm activity Kamloops and area experienced at the end of March is expected to persist throughout the spring.

According to Environment Canada, 16.5 millimetres of precipitation was recorded at Kamloops Airport in March 2025, which is up from the average 14.7 millimetres it sees during that month.

Speaking to CFJC Today, meteorologist Chris Doyle says while Environment Canada doesn’t have a large number of measuring stations to capture how much precipitation the thunderstorms produced, he’s certain there were a few areas in and around Kamloops that got an unexpected runoff at the end of the month.

“If we’re going to look at April, May, June… what they’re suggesting is higher-than-average temperatures for most of southern B.C. — including the Kamloops area — and near average precipitation,” Doyle says. “The climate model supports an increased frequency of thunderstorm activity. That’s good and bad. Rain late in the spring is welcome, but not intense rain that can create flooding issues. Lightning is a problem when it comes to the forest fire season.”

Meantime, in the seven-day forecast, Environment Canada says Kamloops will be seeing more sunshine and flirting with 20 degrees throughout the weekend. By Saturday (April 5), Doyle says the city is looking at temperatures nearly three-to-five degrees above normal. Cooler temperatures are expected to return Tuesday as a trough enters the area.

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“It’s not a permanent phase spring yet,” he says. “If you’re out on the weekend, the UV index is surprisingly strong, even though it’s only April. If you’re going to get out there, especially with the kids, put on a hat and slap on the little sunscreen because you can get a burn even this early in the year.”

The average temperature in March 2025 was 6.6 degrees Celsius, up from the average it’s 5.2 degrees. Environment Canada says it’s the 17th warmest month of March on record for Kamloops since 1891.