The B.C. River Forecast Centre has issued high streamflow advisories for the North and South Thompson rivers.

It says the advisory applies to the North Thompson and its tributaries near Barriere, Clearwater and Blue River as well as the South Thompson and tributaries around Chase.

The advisories come as weather forecasters say to expect the potential for significant rainfall this weekend, which could lead to a “significant flood hazard” throughout the region.

“Severe flooding is possible in areas that receive high rainfall amounts (e.g. in excess of 40 mm),” the River Forecast Centre said. “In areas where rainfall is heavy, river levels will rise rapidly and much quicker than the past week’s snowmelt increases. Peak river levels are expected on Saturday and Sunday.”

Flood warnings remain in place for the Cache Creek and Skeetchestn areas west of Kamloops and on Whiteman Creek in the Okanagan.

Flood watchers are in place on the Similkameen, the Okanagan, and the Salmon River and its tributaries, while a high streamflow advisory is in place on the Nicola River and its tributaries and in other parts of the Shuswap.

“The long period of hot weather has ended. A trough of low pressure is moving into B.C. today and Saturday, bringing the potential for rainfall in the region, and cooling temperatures,” the River Forecast Centre added.

“There is uncertainty on the location and severity of potential rainfall over the next two days, with current forecasts indicating the potential for significant amounts of precipitation (15-35+ mm) in areas. Embedded convective activity is expected to accompany this rainfall and may lead to localized areas with more intense precipitation.”

For the latest from the River Forecast Centre, go here.