B.C. heat turns up the pressure as readings challenge 2025's high
An early-season heat wave is expected to raise temperatures in southern B.C. to the mid to upper 30s this weekend and early next week.
Get ready to sweat — parts of British Columbia are heading into a hot spell that could challenge Canada's highest temperature of the year so far.
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An early June heat wave is building across southern B.C., with some communities expecting daytime highs close to, or even matching, the country's current high of the year, a scorching 37°C set in Winnipeg on May 13.
Osoyoos on record watch
A strong ridge of high pressure is causing hot and dry air to build over the south coast and interior, driving temperatures sharply upward.
All eyes are on Osoyoos, where highs are forecast to hit 36°C on Sunday, 37°C on Monday and 36°C again on Tuesday.
If those numbers hold, the community may tie or even break the national heat record for 2025.
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Other hot spots also include the following:
Lytton: 36°C Sunday, 33°C Monday
Castlegar: 34°C Sunday, 35°C Monday, 34°C Tuesday
Kamloops: 33°C Sunday
Kelowna: Low 30s for all three days
What this means for you
This stretch of extreme heat may be short and quick, but it is expected to bring uncomfortable conditions and an increased wildfire risk, particularly in dry terrain with little to no rain in the forecast.
Special weather statements remain in effect across parts of the province.
Residents are encouraged to use caution in the heat, especially those with special needs such as children, the elderly and those without access to cool shelter.
Keep cool by:
Closing blinds during the hottest parts of the day
Drink plenty of water
Avoiding strenuous activity outdoors
Watching for indications of heat-related illness
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This could be the hottest week of the year in B.C. and possibly across Canada. Whether the record falls or not, one thing is certain: summer has arrived early and it isn't holding back.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across B.C.
Thumbnail credit to Tyler Hamilton, a meteorologist at The Weather Network.