A huge lightning storm passed over the south coast of B.C. last Saturday night, illuminating Bowen, Keats and Hutt islands. (Submitted by Jerry Blackwell)

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for much of eastern B.C. near the Alberta border.

They say there is a chance of severe thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and evening, with the potential for large hail and damaging winds.

They say the storms are capable of producing torrential downpours, intense lightning, up to 15 millimetres of hail and winds gusting up to 90 km/h.

Residents are asked to monitor weather conditions and take immediate safety precautions if threatening weather approaches.

Officials are on alert as the fire danger rating in 85 per cent of B.C. is listed as high to extreme.

In all, more than 500 wildfires are burning across the province, and 170 of those were sparked by lightning strikes, combined with tinder dry conditions and temperatures in the high 30s.

The thunderstorm watch affects the following areas:

• B.C. Peace.
• McGregor.
• Prince George.
• Cariboo.
• Yellowhead.
• Kinbasket.
• North Columbia.
• Elk Valley.
• East Kootenay.
• Kootenay Lake.