The hottest temperatures of the year may be coming to B.C. this week
Heat warnings have been issued for parts of British Columbia as another round of hot weather builds across the province.
Communities across British Columbia, including east Vancouver Island, Whistler, Howe Sound, Fraser Canyon, and south Kelowna, are in for a stretch of what could be the hottest temperatures of the season this week.
A large ridge of high pressure over the Pacific will briefly build over B.C. on Sunday, sending temperatures surging into the near 30s through Tuesday as warm, humid air is drawn inland. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued several heat warnings across the province on Sunday as a result.
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The extra humidity will also bring humidex values soaring, making it feel much hotter than 30 degrees and raising the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Overnight temperatures won't provide much relief from the heat, either, as the lows are forecast to stay above 16 degrees.
It's very possible with this heat event that we could see cities across the province break their 2025 summer heat records. Vancouver may even see its first 30-degree day this year on Monday or Tuesday.
So far, the warmest recorded temperatures in major cities across B.C. this year have been
Campbell River (YBL): 32.5°C
Comox (YQQ): 31.1°C
Victoria (YYJ): 32.1°C
Vancouver (YVR): 27.4°C
Squamish (WSK): 33.7°C
Whistle (Nestors): 32.6°C
Abbotsford (YXX): 33°C
Models are currently suggesting that this heat will be fairly brief, with temperatures cooling down significantly by the end of the week. We may even see temperatures dip below seasonal averages, as well as some beneficial rain.
Health and wildfires are major risks to look out for this week
Extreme heat is dangerous to human and animal health.
"Heat affects everyone, but the risks are greater for: seniors, people who live alone, people with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease, people with mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety, people with substance use disorders, people with limited mobility," ECCC states in their heat warnings. "Check on family, friends and neighbours, who are at higher risk, particularly if they live alone, to make sure they have a cool space. Never leave susceptible people, particularly children, or pets inside a parked vehicle."
The warm, dry pattern will also significantly raise the risk of wildfires. According to the B.C. government, 15 wildfires are currently burning out of control across the province, 20 are being held, and 58 are considered under control.
Check out The Weather Network's wildfire hub for the latest on the 2025 wildfire season across Canada
We could see wildfires intensify, however, in southern regions of the province this week, including the Wesley Ridge wildfire.
Meanwhile, the northern coast will see an active storm track keep the region on the damper side, helping to reduce wildfire risk.
Stay with The Weather Network for more information and updates on your weather across B.C.