Severe thunderstorm watch in effect for parts of B.C. Interior

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for several parts of B.C.'s Interior, and a warning for the northeast corner of the province.

The weather agency says conditions are "favourable" for heavy rain for areas including the Kootenays, Thompson, North Okanagan, Shuswap and Elk Valley on Monday afternoon.

In the northeast, a thunderstorm warning — which means large hail, damaging winds or heavy rain are "imminent" — is in effect for Fort Nelson, where rain is forecast through into Tuesday, according to Environment Canada.

Rain is forecast for Monday afternoon in both Kamloops and Kelowna, but Environment Canada expects it to ease off later this evening.

Environment Canada is also warning drivers that heavy downpours can cause water pooling on roads.

The province has been experiencing a months-long drought, which, combined with lightning, means wildfires are more likely to spark.

As of 2 p.m. PT on Monday, three new wildfires have been discovered in B.C., all within the Prince George Fire Centre, which spans the province's northeast quarter. The B.C. Wildfire Service suspects at least one of them, discovered on Sunday, was started by lightning.