Smoke relief finally on the horizon as pattern shifts in B.C. this weekend
Smoky conditions in B.C. are expected to improve this weekend as weather pattern shifts
Ashcroft, B.C., recorded a scorching 40.8°C on Wednesday, surpassing the previous record of 40.0°C, which was matched by Lytton on Tuesday and shared with two other West Coast communities.
The ongoing heat wave, combined with a stagnant airmass and increased wildfire activity, has led to deteriorated air quality across the province.
A shift in the weather pattern however, offers the potential for rainfall and cooler temperatures starting Sunday, providing some much-needed relief.
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Heat continues into Saturday, with risk for isolated storms and dry lightning
A stagnant airmass and a recent uptick in wildfire activity are expected to contribute to continued poor air quality in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, and Okanagan regions Friday and Saturday.
Daytime highs in the 30s will persist in the Okanagan and farther north.
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Isolated thunderstorms are possible on Saturday, as well, with the risk of dry lightning in some areas.
Pattern change takes shape on Sunday, smoke relief on the way
Fortunately, a shift in the weather pattern is expected to bring the potential for rainfall and cooler temperatures to parts of the province.
A low-pressure system over Oregon will track northward, increasing the chance of rainfall across the South Coast starting Sunday afternoon.
Heavy rain, with the potential for embedded thunder and lightning, is forecast. Rainfall is expected to persist into Monday afternoon, with totals ranging from 5-40 mm, the highest amounts likely along the South Coast mountains.
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However, rainfall may bypass some wildfire-affected regions, such as the Cariboo and parts of the Okanagan.
The ongoing streak of 30°C temperatures might break on Monday and through next week, as conditions trend closer to seasonal norms.