Prince George, B.C. – Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the Prince George area and much of BC in light of anticipated windy conditions this weekend.

The agency says the high pressure ridge dominating weather over southern BC will be replaced by a cold front today.  Widespread winds of 20 to 50 km/h are expected over the central and southern interior beginning this afternoon.  Local gusts of up to 70 km/h are possible in some interior valleys and canyons.

There is also a risk of lightning over the central and northern interior and the only rain with this front is expected north of the Cariboo.  There is no significant rainfall forecast for the southern half of the province for the foreseeable future.   Temperatures are expected to drop 6 to 8 degrees.

The BC Wildfire Service says the forecast weather has the potential to hamper efforts to contain the large wildfires burning in the province and may, in fact, result in many of them growing in size.

The forecast for Prince George today: A mix of sun and cloud, 60 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms this afternoon.  Local smoke.  Wind becoming southwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 this morning, then northwest 30 gusting to 50 this afternoon.  High 21.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, 60 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms early this evening.  Local smoke.  Wind northwest 30 km/h gusting to 50, becoming light this evening.  Low 8.