Smoke and Heat Warnings Spread Across B.C. as Lytton Hits 40°C
Environment Canada has issued numerous heat and air-quality warnings across much of British Columbia as extreme temperatures worsen wildfire conditions throughout the province.
Lytton Records B.C.’s Highest Temperature
Lytton, located in the Fraser Canyon, recorded British Columbia’s highest temperature at 40.5°C. Although the reading did not break the community’s daily record, several other locations experienced record-setting heat.
Cache Creek reached 39.1°C, surpassing the previous daily record of 37.8°C established two years earlier.
Heat Warnings Cover Most of the Province
Heat warnings are currently in effect across approximately two-thirds of British Columbia, including Metro Vancouver.
Environment Canada has warned that temperatures will remain unusually high overnight, offering little relief from the daytime heat. Cooler conditions are not expected until at least Thursday.
Wildfire Smoke Reduces Air Quality
Wildfire smoke continues to spread across the province, leading to poor air quality and reduced visibility in several regions.
Environment Canada expects the smoky conditions to continue for another 24 to 48 hours. Air quality is particularly poor in the northern Peace region.
Farther north, the Fort Nelson area is under both air-quality advisories and severe thunderstorm alerts.
Several Communities Break Daily Heat Records
Multiple communities set new daily temperature records on Tuesday.
Fort Nelson, Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast, Smithers and Terrace all experienced record-breaking temperatures. Terrace reached 33.1°C, exceeding a daily record that had stood since 1990.
British Columbia continues to face widespread extreme heat, wildfire smoke and deteriorating air quality. Residents in affected areas should follow official weather alerts, limit outdoor activity when air quality is poor and take precautions against heat-related illness.
