Vancouver (Richa Walia)— British Columbia recorded its highest-ever September temperatures for the second day in a row, as scorching heat and smoky skies gripped the province.
Cache Creek set a new national September record on Wednesday at 40.8 C, surpassing the 40 C mark matched by Lytton a day earlier a record previously held by Manitoba. The village, located about 85 kilometres west of Kamloops, was among 16 communities that reported new daily highs.
Environment Canada has issued six heat warnings, including for the Fraser Canyon, the Thompson region, Boundary and 100 Mile. At the same time, more than 30 air-quality advisories remain in effect across B.C., including Metro Vancouver, which woke up under a smoky haze. The air-quality health index improved slightly from the extreme 10-plus level reached Wednesday, but conditions remain poor.
B.C. Forests Minister Ravi Parmar warned that smoke levels could deteriorate further in the coming days. Environment Canada’s special air-quality statements extend across vast parts of the province, from Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Canyon to the Thompson, Cariboo, Okanagan, Kootenay and Peace regions.
