British Columbia weather alert: storms, heavy rain and dry lightning possible

Southern British Columbia is facing a risk of severe thunderstorms, dry lightning and shifting wildfire smoke on Friday as the province's weather pattern changes.

The Weather Network says BC is moving away from persistent hot and dry conditions, bringing opportunities for rain and changing wind directions across the south.

Dense wildfire smoke is expected to cause very poor air quality in parts of the Interior. Widespread rain could improve conditions in the Kootenay, while the Lower Mainland is expected to see a low to moderate health risk and improving conditions around Vancouver.

A wind shift Friday evening is forecast to push smoke away from the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island and back towards the Interior.

Air quality could deteriorate through the day in Kelowna and Osoyoos, with very poor conditions possible by Friday evening, according to The Weather Network.

The changing pattern will also bring scattered thunderstorms across southern B.C.

Some storms could become severe over Vancouver Island and the Coast Mountains, including around Comox and Port Hardy.

The strongest could bring heavy rainfall and small hail.

Dry lightning is also possible in other areas, raising concerns about potential new wildfire starts.

Warmer and drier conditions are expected to return next week.