18 days since B.C.’s seen rain as hot-streak set to continue

The last couple of weeks have not disappointed those who like it hot, and Wednesday was another example.

At least 27 one-day temperature records were broken across B.C. on Wednesday, and the run of record heat is likely to last through at least the weekend.

The humidity on Wednesday caused it to feel like it was in the mid-to-high 30s across much of the Lower Mainland.

Lytton, the national hotspot on Wednesday, hit 42 C degrees.

CityNews meteorologist Michael Kuss says the heat and humidity was widespread.

“From Gibsons on the South Coast and Nakusp in the southeast, all the way up to Dawson Creek in the north,” he explained.

Kuss adds B.C.’s South Coast should feel a touch cooler Thursday, however, it won’t be for long.

“The break from the heat is small and short-lived. It’s only going to be a couple of degrees cooler today than it was on Wednesday, same story on Friday,” he said.

Kuss says it’s not only been hot but it’s also been incredibly dry across the province.

“It’s now 18 days, through Wednesday, where we haven’t had a speck of precipitation across the South Coast. And it’s not just the South Coast, it’s much of the province,” he said.

“The forest fire danger rating for most of B.C. is high to extreme,” he added.

Meanwhile, Environment and Climate Change Canada says the second heat wave for July is set to continue into next week in the Interior before gradually easing, while coastal areas could see conditions moderate after the weekend.

Environment Canada is warning people to look for early signs of heat illness since these symptoms can develop into life-threatening emergencies.

As of late Wednesday, more than 20 regions in B.C. were under heat alerts, stretching from Whistler in the southwest, to the north and central coasts and deep into the Interior. 

In an update Thursday afternoon, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Bowinn Ma said living in “such warm, sunny places can come with risks.”

“Heat events can be difficult for everyone, and I want to thank those who have checked in on their neighbours and loved ones during recent days,” she said. “As we go further into the summer and into another week of high temperatures and heat warnings, I encourage everyone to continue to check on those more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.”

Ma reiterated that cooling centres are open across B.C. for people to access, and those places can be found through local governments and First Nations.

Listen to CityNews 1130 for weather updates every 10 minutes after traffic on the ones. You can also follow Meteorologist Michael Kuss on X and subscribe to breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.

-With files from The Canadian Press