Coming weather change has BC Wildfire Service concerned as temperatures records fall

Temperature records have been falling across much of the province as the heatwave continues to dry out forests, but a coming cooldown also has the BC Wildfire Service concerned.

“As we head into Thursday, we are going to lose the heat warnings, even though it will still be quite warm across Metro Vancouver, but the big blast of cooler air is on the way as we head toward Friday and the weekend,” says CityNews meteorologist Carl Lam.

“Temperatures are back toward average daytime highs for this time of year so we will be closer to the low 20s for Friday, Saturday, and even Sunday.”

The wildfire service says a cold front from the northwest is due Thursday and will hit the heat associated with the high-pressure system that has caused the heatwave, creating strong winds, dry lightning, and the potential to add to the province’s challenging wildfire season.

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As of Wednesday morning, there were 366 wildfires in BC, with 132 considered out of control.

Tuesday saw more daily record highs set across southern B.C., from the Kootenays to Vancouver Island.

Trail, Cache Creek, Lytton, and Lillooet all saw afternoon highs in the range of 41 to 42 degrees Celsius, breaking daily records that have stood since the early 1900s.

North of Whistler, Pemberton hit 39.9 degrees, the hottest August 15 recorded since 1908.

While temperatures are expected to cool, the forecast remains dry for the Lower Mainland, which is under Stage 2 water restrictions due to prolonged drought conditions.

“Reservoir levels are still within the normal range for this time of year,” says Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie, chair of Metro Vancouver’s water committee on Monday.

“All is good in that respect. Going to Stage 2 water restrictions was really to be very conservative and make awfully sure that we are going to have enough water going into the fall.”

Brodie says since stricter water rules were put in place on August 4, there may have been a slight decrease in usage across Metro Vancouver.

“It’s really too early to say. The indication is that there was slightly lower water usage [in the week after], but that could be affected by the fact there were cooler temperatures and some rain for a couple days. To get an accurate pattern, we have to wait a little longer.”