Extreme September heat heightens wildfire risk in B.C.
Day 2 of an exceptional stretch of extreme heat across B.C. yielded a 40-degree reading in Lytton, tying a national record for September
A late-summer heat wave in British Columbia this week has led to Lytton tying an all-time Canadian temperature record for the month.
Lytton, B.C., recorded a sizzling 40.0°C reading on Tuesday as an intense heat wave hit the West Coast, enough to tie the national heat record for the month of September.
DON'T MISS: When is the hottest stretch of the year in your corner of Canada?
Lytton shares the current, all-time September high with Morden, Man. (1906), and Lost River, Sask. (1940). The record is still in jeopardy of being toppled in B.C. this week, though, as the heat will continue on Wednesday.
With such heat occurring, folks may have noticed some trees have shed their leaves already, with a colour change, or will with this round of hot temperatures.
Heat wave kicks off September, tying national record
A ridge of high pressure parked over British Columbia will reinforce, prolonging the unusually high heat many communities have experienced of late. Lytton, B.C., just saw a historic streak of four consecutive 40°C days.
This exceptional September heat wave will rival the warmest Canadian temperature for the month, expecting to peak by Wednesday across the central and northern portions of the province.
The average temperature anomaly over the next seven days for the province highlights the long-duration nature of the heat event, with much of the inland Interior valleys averaging more than 10°C above seasonal through Sept. 8.
Tuesday's notable daytime highs include:
Lytton: 40.0°C
Ashcroft: 39.1°C
Princeton: 38.8°C
Kamloops: 36.8°C
Lillooet: 36.5°C
40.0°C is the hottest temperature ever recorded in Canada during the month of September. There are now three communities that have reached that milestone––Lytton, B.C., on Tuesday, Morden, back in 1906, and Lost River, which hit it 34 years after Morden.
Lytton's 40-degree reading also usurps the previous B.C. September record, also held by Lytton (39.6°C). The month’s hottest reading on record down in Vancouver was a 29.3°C day back in 1988.
Even though the number of daylight hours continues to decline in September, prolonged heat will build in the Interior valleys. Coastal, overnight lows will fall into the mid-to upper-teens, but the hottest Interior location will remain near 20°C through the week.
We’re also on the lookout for rising fire danger as the heat continues across the region. There are currently more than 60 out-of-control fires in B.C., which is up sharply from just a couple of weeks ago. More fires are possible amid this heightened danger.
WATCH: These drink cooling hacks will keep you refreshed
Hot weather safety tips
Extreme heat affects everyone. Sensitive groups are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, but even healthy folks are susceptible to heat exhaustion or worse in extreme heat.
Drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can be dehydrating.
Avoid direct sunlight, especially during peak hours and when the UV rating is high.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
Use air conditioning when possible. If you do not have access to air conditioning, consider visiting a cooling centre, a shopping centre, or a public library.
Check on elderly relatives and other vulnerable neighbours.