Nearly 40°C: Early season heat wave continues to impact B.C.
Temperatures are sitting well above seasonal across British Columbia, with special weather statements covering much of the province
An early-season heat wave continues to impact B.C., fueled by a ridge of high pressure bringing dry, sunny conditions to the South Coast and Interior.
Special weather statements have been issued, with daytime highs reaching the mid-to-upper 30s — over 10°C above seasonal averages.
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On Sunday, Lytton reached a scorching 39.3°C, marking the warmest temperature recorded in Canada so far this year. This surpasses the previous national high of 37.8°C recorded in Emerson, Man. on May 11.
Osoyoos and Castlegar will be the places to watch on Monday, with forecast highs of 38°C and 36°C. Other hotspot areas include Ashcroft, Lytton, Lillooet, Princeton, and Pemberton, all expecting daytime highs in the mid-30s under clear skies.
Many regions will see up to 14 hours of sunshine as we kick off this new work week.
Be sure to stay up-to-date on any new alerts or advisories during this heat event, and take necessary precautions as temperatures remain significantly above seasonal.
"Early season heat can be significant due to the lack of acclimatization to elevated temperatures," warns Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the special weather statement.
ECCC urges to watch for the effects of heat illness, including heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature and the worsening of some health conditions.
Relief from the heat arrives Thursday
Relief from the high heat is expected starting Thursday, as an approaching upper trough shifts the weather pattern.
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Cooler temperatures and more unsettled, active weather conditions are forecast to make a return across the province.
Rain desperately needed
June has started on a dry note across B.C.'s South Coast, with no measurable rainfall recorded so far. The last notable precipitation occurred on May 31:
Vancouver (YVR): 10.2 mm
Victoria (YYJ): 7.8 mm
Kamloops: 5.3 mm
This marks the driest start to June since 2023, with high pressure dominating the region’s weather patterns.
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The ongoing heat and lack of rainfall have led to heightened fire risk across affected areas. Residents are urged to stay informed on local fire danger ratings and adhere to any fire restrictions or advisories in place.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across B.C.