B.C. temperature records continue to fall as wildfire smoke chokes Pacific North West

Temperature records across British Columbia are tumbling, even as we’re into the third week of October.

Twenty-five places in the province recorded temperature records on Sunday as the province continues to see drought-like conditions well into the fall.

CityNews meteorologist Michael Kuss says many of the records were broken locally in the Lower Mainland.

“Abbotsford got up to 26 degrees, Pitt Meadows at 26. Both of these are new records,” he explained. “Pitt Meadows’ record, the old one was from 1929 [when it hit] 23.3 degrees.”

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West Vancouver and Victoria also received new records, with even Vancouver International Airport hitting a new mark.

“YVR getting up to 20.2 degrees, breaking the old mark barely from 20 degrees in 1929, but that’s an old one for sure,” Kuss said.

However, it wasn’t just the west coast that saw records fall. Burns Lake, Bella Bella, Bella Coola, Clinton, Creston, Prince Rupert, Smithers, and Trail were just some of the other places to hit new highs.

The temperature records come as the Pacific Northwest is choking on wildfire smoke.

Many parts of B.C., Washington, and Oregon are under air quality advisories, as very late-season wildfires see smoke drift across the region.

An air quality advisory is still in effect for much of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley after initially being issued on Friday.

Geoff Doerksen, air quality planner at Metro Vancouver, says overnight Sunday and into Monday morning, widespread smoke and fine particulate matter are being seen throughout the region.

“Winds have directed smoke to the region from a complex of wildfires burning southeast of Chilliwack, near Chilliwack Lake, as well as fires near Harrison Lake and in Washington state. Eastern parts of the Fraser Valley that are closer to many of the wildfires are experiencing greater smoke impacts compared to western parts of Metro Vancouver.

“Eastern parts of the Fraser Valley that are closer to many of the wildfires are experiencing greater smoke impacts compared to Western parts of Metro Vancouver,” he explained.

Doerksen says the change of weather on Friday, which will bring cooler weather and rain, will help dissipate the smoke.

Although not the worst air quality from wildfires Doerksen has seen, having an advisory at this time of year is abnormal.

“Compared to previous wildfire years, this is not the highest concentrations of smoke we’ve measured, but certainly this is the latest in the season we’ve experienced wildfire smoke impacts,” he explained. “With the changing climate, we expect longer and drier summers with more prolonged wildfire seasons.”

Environment Canada is suggesting folks postpone or reduce physical outdoor activities while the advisory is in place, and use air filtration systems and air conditioning units.

“If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, seek prompt medical attention. Call 911 in the case of an emergency,” the agency said.