Heat and lightning could spark new wildfires across B.C. this week
The fire danger rating remains ‘very high’ to ‘extreme’ for much of B.C.’s Interior
A long-duration heat event continues across British Columbia this week as a ridge of high pressure makes itself at home over the West Coast.
Dry conditions and persistently hot temperatures will keep a high fire danger locked in place throughout the region as we kick off September.
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B.C. reported 58 out-of-control wildfires in the province as of Aug. 31, a sharp uptick from just a couple of weeks ago. Special weather statements and air quality warnings have been re-issued as a result of the ongoing blazes.
Forecasters expect high heat to persist across much of B.C. heading into the first week of September, possibly cracking the 40-degree mark in some communities.
Extreme heat combined with very little rainfall will keep the fire danger rating ‘very high’ to ‘extreme’ throughout a large swath of the province, especially in the Interior. Dry lightning is expected to be a major source for potential new fire starts in the days ahead.
Conditions across southern B.C. may not cool down until the second week of September.
Residents are advised to stay prepared for potential wildfires in their area, and to avoid activities that could potentially spark a new blaze.