More daily temperature records have fallen in a heat wave that blankets southern British Columbia, and while cooler weather is on the way for some areas, it will remain hot in the Interior.
A summary from Environment Canada shows 25 daily high temperature records were set and two were tied on Monday, from Whistler, to Trail in the southeast, Smithers in the northwest, and Campbell River on Vancouver Island.
Lytton was a hot spot with a daily high of 42.4 C on Monday, breaking the old record of 39.4 set in 1952.
In Pemberton, north of Whistler, the mercury hit 39.1 C, while in Osoyoos, the new record was set at 39.7 C.
It's expected to reach 41 C in Kamloops Tuesday, where the forecast shows temperatures in the mid- to high 30s persisting over the weekend.
The forecaster says temperatures are expected to drop to more seasonal levels by Tuesday night for Metro Vancouver, the inland sections of the north and central coasts, through Whistler and the Sunshine Coast and on Vancouver Island.
An air quality advisory covers Metro Vancouver and parts of the Fraser Valley due to ground-level smog. The regional district issued a statement on Monday saying the advisory was expected to last for a few days.
The Hudson's Bay store in downtown Vancouver remained closed Tuesday after keeping its doors shut during the weekend heat. A statement from the company says the well-being of customers and staff members is a top priority, and the store's heating, ventilation and air conditioning system were undergoing maintenance.
It will stay hotter in the Fraser Valley, where the forecast in Abbotsford shows temperatures ranging from 27 to 29 C over the next week.
Environment Canada says heat warnings remain in effect for much of central and southern B.C. along with the northeastern corner of the province.
In Fort Nelson, B.C., where persistent drought fuelled the threat of early-season wildfires in the spring, the forecast shows a mix of sun, clouds and rain with temperatures ranging from 32 C on Wednesday to 23 C on Friday and Saturday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 9, 2024.
The Canadian Press
