Recent warm weather is to blame for Cranbrook and Kimberley's outdoor rink closures.

City of Cranbrook officials said the skating area on Idlewild Lake will be closed to all public access.

"The safety of the public and our user groups is paramount, as the risk of falling through the ice is quite high," said city staff.

Meanwhile, the City of Kimberley is also asking residents to stay off the ice for now.

"Love it or hate it, these temperatures are wreaking havoc on our outdoor rinks," said city officials. "We’ve closed them for the time being in order to be able to recover more quickly once temps cool down again."

Environment Canada officials said daytime temperatures will likely stay in the low positives until late next week.

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Environment Canada has issued a winter storm and snowfall warning in the East Kootenay alongside a special weather statement for the Columbia Valley.

The forecaster said the winter storm warning comes as the Elk Valley is expected to get hit hard by heavy snowfall from Tuesday night to Wednesday.

Environment Canada officials expect anywhere from 15 to 25 centimetres of snow to blanket the region, with the Fernie area bearing the brunt of the storm.

"Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow," said Environment Canada.

Meanwhile, the southern part of the region is under a snowfall warning, with 15 to 20 centimetres to fall on the Cranbrook and South Country area.

The Columbia Valley will fare a little better, as a special weather statement is in place for prolonged snowfall.

The Columbia Valley will have up to 15 centimetres of snow by Wednesday night.

The weather system follows extremely cold weather that swept through the region from Friday to Monday.

"A cold front will combine with a Pacific low-pressure system and bring snow, heavy at times into southern B.C.," said Environment Canada officials. "Snow will start tonight [Tuesday] and become heavy overnight."

Environment Canada officials expect the snow to ease off by Wednesday night, followed by a warming trend into the weekend.

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The Elk Valley's rain warning has ended only to be replaced with a snowfall warning.

Environment Canada issued the updated alert on Thursday as temperatures drop and the heavy precipitation changes to snow.

Officials said this comes in the wake of a cold front sweeping through the region.

The Fernie and Morrisey area can expect about 15 cm of snow today before it eases off in the evening.

Environment Canada officials said temperatures in the Elk Valley will reach a high of plus one on Thursday, before falling to an overnight low of -2.

Temperatures are expected to hover between the low positives and negatives over the coming days.

This will likely create slippery sections and winter driving conditions along local roadways, so drivers are encouraged to use caution.

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Persistent hot and dry weather in the East Kootenay has led to worsening drought conditions in the region.

B.C. government officials updated the Drought Information Map and upped the East Kootenay to Drought Level 5.

This is the highest level on the scale and officials said it means adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values are almost certain.

"Drought can lead to reduced water availability for household and business use. Lower streamflows may cause warmer river temperatures, affecting fish and other aquatic life," said B.C. government officials. "Low streamflows can also have an impact on groundwater levels."

This can also impact food production across the province.

"Drought can reduce crop growth and quality, leading to smaller harvests," said the province. "Hotter temperatures that often occur alongside drought may lead to early crop maturity or ripening. Less water may be available for irrigation and for animal care, and livestock production suffers and pests increase."

22 water basins across the province are under Drought Level 5 as of Aug. 25.

B.C. government officials said everyone in the province is responsible for helping protect water supplies, especially during a drought.

"Water conservation is critical in summer months but year-round water conservation has significant benefits as well," said the province. "Reducing water consumption decreases the amount of water that requires treatment, as well as sewage and infrastructure costs."

The province has some tips to help you conserve water at home:

• Indoors
  • Try to keep showers limited to five minutes or less.
  • Fill the sink with water if you're washing the dishes by hand, rather than letting the water run.
  • Keep a cool jug of water in the fridge rather than relying on the tap for drinking water.
  • Turn off the water while you shave or brush your teeth.
  • Regularly check your home for leaks. Provincial officials said unchecked leaks can waste many litres of water each year.
  • Run only full loads of laundry and dishes.
• Outdoors
  • Water lawns sparingly. Officials said lawns only need about one inch of water per week.
  • Water in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
  • Clean your driveway with a broom rather than a hose.
  • Check for leaks in outdoor pipes, faucets and hoses.
  • Use drought-resistant plants in landscaping.
  • Use a rain barrel to collect water for outdoor plants.
  • Consider a water-saving pool filter if you have a swimming pool.

More resources can be found below.

More: Water conservation tips (BC government)

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Environment Canada is expecting widespread gusty winds with a risk of dry lightning across much of southern B.C. this week.

The forecaster expects the weather system to sweep through the province from Thursday to Friday.

Strong, gusty winds coming from southwest to northwest and the dry lightning risk will combine with high temperatures in the southern Interior.

Environment Canada officials said the weather system will bring a risk of worsening wildfire conditions, possible new fires igniting and danger from breaking tree branches.

The weather system comes from a dry, cold front passing over B.C., which may result in wind gusts of up to 50 km/h.

"Instability along the cold front may lead to the development of thunderstorms this afternoon and evening," said Environment Canada officials. "The main hazard is localized severe winds with speeds up to or above 70 km/h and dry lightning (lightning that comes with little or no rain)."

Officials said trees impacted by drought conditions will be more susceptible to winds.

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Environment Canada is predicting a cold front to sweep across southern B.C. on Tuesday, possibly bringing heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms.

The forecaster said rainfall could range between 15 to 25 millimetres, with wind gusts reaching up to 60 km/h in some places.

Because of this, Environment Canada has put a special weather statement in place. The alert is in effect for the Kootenays, ranging from the Grand Forks area to the Elk Valley, the Okanagan, and north to Lake Revelstoke and Ashcroft.

The forecast predicts thunderstorms to strike on Tuesday, with rainfall lingering until Wednesday.

Environment Canada has also put a severe thunderstorm watch in place ahead of the weather system moving in.

This comes as the region could be hit by strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.

"Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles," said Environment Canada officials. "Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!"

More: Environment Canada alert page

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The East Kootenay and Kootenay Lake areas are under a severe thunderstorm watch for Wednesday afternoon.

Environment Canada officials said conditions are favourable for developing storms that may produce large hail and heavy rain.

Officials said the biggest threat will come from lightning in the afternoon, followed by hail in the evening.

"Areas where smoke is thin or non-existent will have the highest likelihood of thunderstorm development [Wednesday] afternoon," said Environment Canada.

Communities south of Ainsworth, Kimberley and Sparwood will most likely get hit the hardest by any possible storms or hail.

"Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Intense lightning is likely with any thunderstorm that develops," said Environment Canada. "Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!"

Severe thunderstorm watch alerts are sent out when conditions are ripe for storms that can large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall or a combination of those.

More: Environment Canada alert map

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A flood watch is active across the East Kootenay, as warm temperatures and expected rain are causing water levels to rise.

According to the BC River Forecast Centre, daily temperatures will reach the upper 20s to low 30s through Thursday.

"Flows primarily due to accelerated snowmelt are forecast to reach the 2-year to 10-year range in noted areas by Friday," said the BC River Forecast Centre.

"Additional rises (20-year to 100-year flows or higher, e.g. similar to 2018 peak flows) are possible on Saturday and Sunday, depending on precipitation amounts later this week."

Officials said the heat will likely be followed by rain in Friday, but they are not exactly sure where or how hard it will come down.

"There is currently uncertainty on the location and severity of potential rainfall late in the week, with current forecasting indicating the potential for significant amounts of precipitation (30 60mm) in areas," said the BC River Forecast Centre.

Rivers have already been rising throughout the region, with daily snow melt rates ranging between 20 to 40 millimetres.

Officials said this rate will likely increase significantly as temperatures continue to rise this week.

"On-going rises in rivers are expected across the region due to hot temperatures this week, with increasing potential for flood hazard in other rivers over the coming days," said officials. "The potential for heavier precipitation on Friday and Saturday could lead to a period of significant flood hazard through the region late this week."

This will impact a number of areas, including the Kettle River, Granby River, Moyie River, Salmo River and similar rivers and tributaries.

Officials said you should stay clear of potentially unstable riverbanks and fast-flowing water.

They also recommend avoiding fishing, swimming, boating or hiking near high-streamflow rivers or streams.

You can check river conditions through the link below.

More: Flood Warning and Advisory Notifications (BC River Forecast Centre)

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The Elk Valley may have been spared from Tuesday's heavy snow the region is not getting away scot-free, as Environment Canada is predicting wind chills to reach down to about -40 overnight.

The forecaster has issued an extreme cold warning for the Elk Valley and Yoho National Park, and said you should bundle up if you plan on heading outside.

"An arctic airmass will be building and pushing south into the Columbia and Kootenay regions today," said Environment Canada. "Brisk northeasterly winds are developing through the day and combined with frigid overnight temperatures."

Wind chills are expected to reach down to -35 overnight, which could get down to -40 by Wednesday morning, which will likely stick around for Thursday night.

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Heavy snowfall is sweeping across B.C.'s interior and into southern Alberta, with up to 40 centimetres predicted for the Crowsnest Pass.

In the East Kootenay, the Cranbrook and Kimberley areas will likely see the worst of the storm, with Environment Canada predicting 10 to 15 centimetres of accumulation by Tuesday afternoon.

The Elk and Columbia Valleys have been spared from the winter storm warning, but they will still likely see five to 10 centimetres of snow throughout the day.

The forecaster said this comes as a weather system sweeps across southern B.C. and Alberta.

In the Crowsnest Pass, long periods of heavy snow will blanket the area with 20 to 40 centimetres of snow by Tuesday evening.

The West Kootenay will also get its share of the storm, with 15 to 25 centimetres expected for areas between Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass along the Trans-Canada Highway, and along Highway 3 from Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass.

Environment Canada said the northern sections of Kootenay Lake, including Kaslo, will likely get about 10 to 15 centimetres.

The forecaster predicts the worst of the snow to ease off by Tuesday evening, with a chance of flurries lingering overnight.

Drivers are asked to delay travel if possible.

"Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance," said Environment Canada. "If you must travel, keep others informed of your schedule and destination and carry an emergency kit and mobile phone."

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