VANCOUVER (Richa Walia) — Parts of British Columbia continue to swelter under heat warnings while wildfire smoke drives widespread air-quality advisories, after daily temperature records fell across the province.
Lytton led the surge on Tuesday, reaching 40 C and surpassing its previous record of 39.6 C set in 2022. Cache Creek followed closely with 39.3 C, while Kelowna, Princeton, and Whistler also posted new daily highs. In total, a dozen communities recorded fresh records during the latest heat wave.
Environment Canada has issued heat warnings for nine regions, including the Fraser Canyon, Boundary, North and South Thompson, and inland parts of the north and central coast. The agency says the high temperatures are being driven by a ridge of high pressure anchored over southern B.C., creating what it describes as a “moderate risk” to public health.
Meanwhile, wildfire smoke has prompted air-quality advisories in 13 Interior and northeast regions, with heavy haze also blanketing Metro Vancouver. Health officials have warned vulnerable residents, particularly seniors, children, and those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor exposure.
Relief may come later this week, with forecasts suggesting heat warnings will ease by Thursday in the southern Interior and Friday along the north and central coast. However, smoke from wildfires is expected to linger until at least Friday in much of the province.
