Canada's September heat record in peril as hot weather hits the West Coast
A Rex block will amplify the jet stream and bring a late-summer heat wave to British Columbia during the first week of September--threatening to topple an all-time Canadian temperature record for the month.
The recent spate of above-seasonal temperatures on the West Coast will continue straight into the upcoming week, potentially threatening to topple the record for Canada’s hottest-ever reading in the month of September.
Temperatures in parts of B.C. are forecast for the mid-to upper-30s, and could soar close to the 40-degree mark in some areas during the opening days of September. With such heat occurring, folks may have noticed some trees have shed their leaves already, with a colour change, or will with this round of hot temperatures.
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As a result, the current all-time September high of 40.0°C, held by Morden, Man. (1906), and Lost River, Sask. (1940), is in jeopardy of being toppled in B.C. this week.
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A ridge of high pressure parked over British Columbia will reinforce in the days ahead, prolonging the unusually high heat many communities have experienced of late. Lytton, B.C., just saw a historic streak of four consecutive 40°C days.
Temperatures will come in 10-15 degrees above seasonal for the end of August and beginning of September, with the highest readings across the typical hot-spots within B.C.’s Interior.
We’ll see daytime highs in the mid- to upper-30s throughout the Interior during the week ahead. Some areas could meet or exceed 40 degrees, with Lytton a prime candidate to hit the mark.
40.0°C is the hottest temperature ever recorded in Canada during the month of September. Two communities have reached that milestone—Morden, back in 1906, and Lost River, which hit it 34 years later.
A spell of heat in 2022 set September’s all-time hottest record in both Lytton (39.6°C) and Kamloops (38.3°C). The month’s hottest reading on record down in Vancouver was a 29.3°C day back in 1988.
Even though the number of daylight hours continues to decline in September, prolonged heat will build in the Interior valleys. Communities in the region will remain in the lower 20s through the hottest nights later in the week.
We’re also on the lookout for rising fire danger as the heat continues across the region. There are currently 58 out-of-control fires in B.C., which is up sharply from just a couple of weeks ago. More fires are possible amid this heightened danger.
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Hot weather safety tips
Extreme heat affects everyone. Sensitive groups are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, but even healthy folks are susceptible to heat exhaustion or worse in extreme heat.
Drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can be dehydrating.
Avoid direct sunlight, especially during peak hours and when the UV rating is high.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
Use air conditioning when possible. If you do not have access to air conditioning, consider visiting a cooling centre, a shopping centre, or a public library.
Check on elderly relatives and other vulnerable neighbours.