UPDATE: Thunderstorm watch in effect

UPDATE:  Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch at 5 p.m. for Central and North Okanagan

OKANAGAN — An umbrella and rain coat might be in order today.

Environment Canada has issued a “special weather statement” for the Okanagan.

It says the Central, North and South Okanagan can expect heavy rain – mostly in the afternoon.

Environment Canada says there’s a slow moving upper-low system that is tracking through the Southern Interior bringing with it bands of showers.

It says rainfall amounts will vary – anywhere between 10 to 20 mm by late evening.

However, Environment Canada says the amount of rain can climb as high as 25 mm if there are thunderstorms.

The Okanagan can use a little extra rain.

According to Environment Canada, Penticton has received 27 mm so far this month. Normally it gets 39 mm.

Same goes for Kelowna. On average, it gets 38 mm of precipitation during the month of May. So far, only 18 mm have fallen.

Vernon is well under the average too. It usually receives 47 mm during May but has only received 23 mm.