Heat wave sparks wildfire fears in B.C., puts national September record at risk
Day 1 of an exceptional stretch of extreme heat is over across B.C., but temperatures will warm even further on Tuesday and Wednesday
A Rex block is amplifying the jet stream to bring a late-summer heat wave to British Columbia this week--threatening to topple an all-time Canadian temperature record for the month.
Temperatures in parts of B.C. are forecast to continue hitting the mid-to upper-30s, and could soar close to the 40-degree mark in some areas this week. 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.
Monday's notable daytime highs include a whopping 38.1°C reading in Lytton.
Heat wave kicks off September, a chance of a new record
A ridge of high pressure parked over British Columbia will reinforce, 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.
An exceptional September heat wave is targeting British Columbia that will rival the warmest Canadian temperature for September. That comes after a historic heat wave in late August, during which Lytton reached 40°C for four consecutive days.
But now we turn our eyes to record-breaking late-season warmth across British Columbia and the Northern Territories.
An extreme ridge in the jet stream is forecast to peak by Wednesday across the central and northern portions of the province.
The average temperature anomaly over the next seven days for the province highlights the long-duration nature of the heat event, with much of the inland Interior valleys averaging more than 10°C above seasonal through Sept. 8.
Monday's notable daytime highs include:
Lytton: 38.1°C
Lillooet: 37.9°C (monthly record)
Ashcroft: 37.9°C (monthly record)
Princeton: 36.1°C
Kamloops: 36.0°C
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. Coastal, overnight lows will fall into the mid-to upper-teens, but the hottest Interior location will remain near 20°C through the week.
We’re also on the lookout for rising fire danger as the heat continues across the region. There are currently 69 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.