An Environment Canada meteorologist says any rainfall in the area right now is good news.

Doug Lundquist says the rain is especially needed from mid-May into June, more so because of the especially dry conditions right now.

“Especially because of the reduction in risk to fire weather, and it definitely helps the BC wildfire service when we get this type of rain, he said. “We’re getting an early jump on things in the west and it’s great when the Southern Interior does get any rain at this time of year. It’s good for others too you know, for agriculture as well. All of us benefit from the rain.”

While lightning is a risk because of thunderstorms expected across parts of the Interior today, Lundquist says if it gets too warm in late May, it tends to mean very dry conditions.

“The risk to people, I think that’s the greatest risk you know is getting struck,” he added. “If you are trying to get out on the golf course just because you want to keep that green time, that is a risk for people.

“For fire starts, if it’s rainy enough, it’s probably not going to be too much of an issue, but there’s always lightning at the edge of the cloud and at the edge of the rains.”

He noted that a good amount of rain mixed in with sunshine is great for recreations, and a “win-win situation” for residents in the area.

Environment Canada has lifted a special weather statement for the South Thompson, but say 10-20 mm of rain is still possible today in the Similkameen, Nicola and Fraser Canyon, with a risk of localised flash floods.