BC heat wave: 14 temperature records fell, tied

British Columbia broke temperature records for the third day in a row as the province deals with a heat wave.

Preliminary data shared by Environment Canada revealed 14 records for July 28 fell or were tied due to the heat, with several records dating back to the 1930s broken.

Lytton, which recorded the hottest temperature ever seen in the country last summer, broke the record for the second consecutive day. On Thursday, the zone recorded a maximum temperature of 41.1 degrees Celsius, breaking the 2009 record of 40.6 degrees. On Wednesday, the temperature reached 42C in the area, breaking the 1939 record for that day of 40C.

Osoyoos also saw a scorching hot temperature above 40 C. That city recorded 41.2 C on Thursday, equaling the record set in 1996.

Other high temperature records that have been broken, according to preliminary data from Environment Canada, include:

• Blue River Area – new record of 37, old record of 36 set in 1998.
• Clearwater Area – New record of 39.2, old record of 38.5 set in 1998.
• Clinton Area – New record of 34.5, old record of 33 set in 2009.
• Dawson Creek Area – new record of 32.5, old record of 30 set in 1937.
• Kelowna Area – New record of 38.7, old record of 37.2 set in 1934.
• Mackenzie Zone – new record of 33.4, old record of 32.9 set in 2009.
• Penticton Area – new record of 37.9, old record of 37.8 set in 1934.
• Port Hardy area – new record of 24.1, old record of 23.9 set in 2021.
• Princeton Area – New record of 38, old record of 37.8 set in 1994.
• Puntsi Mountain area – new record of 34.2, old record of 33.8 set in 2009.
• Sparwood Area – new record of 33.1, old record of 32.8 set in 2003.
• Vernon County – New record of 37.8, old record of 37.2 set in 1934.

WARMTH IS EXPECTED OVER THE WEEKEND

Environment Canada’s heat warnings put in place earlier in the week remained in effect Friday. High temperatures are forecast to continue into the weekend before a slow cool-down begins.

“A strong ridge of high pressure continues to bring a heat wave to British Columbia this week,” Environment Canada said in an explanation.

“The pattern change is expected early next week as the upper trough brings in a cooler air mass.”

Some areas in southwestern British Columbia are still expected to see temperatures as high as 40 C in the coming days. In Metro Vancouver, it could reach 35C inland, although it is expected to be about five degrees cooler by the water.