Drought, wildfire-stricken British Columbia to endure another heat wave
British Columbia will be roasting under yet another heat wave this week. The heat will spell trouble for the already dangerous wildfire conditions.
August all-time high records are in jeopardy for parts of British Columbia this week as another intense heat wave will lock in this week. This round of extremely hot temperatures comes courtesy of a resilient high pressure that is going to situate itself over western half of North America as the week progresses. This will push temperatures into the 30s, with feels-like values pushing 40 in many locales. The heat will eventually push into the rest of Western Canada late week. This most unwelcome for the drought conditions and for the firefighters battling the ongoing blazes in B.C. Special weather statements are in place. More on the incoming heat and what that means for the ongoing wildfires, below.
TUESDAY AND BEYOND: NEW HEAT WAVE TAKES OVER, WILL WORSEN WILDFIRE, DROUGHT SITUATION
A building ridge of high pressure will begin to make its presence felt in B.C. Tuesday with rising temperatures and humidity. The Interior will see the warmest temperatures first, with daytime temperatures reaching the low 30s and feels-like values in the mid-to-upper 30s in some areas. The heat will continue to spread west across the province Wednesday.
While residents can take solace in the fact this heat won't be as extreme or long-lasting as the late-June event, it’s still going to feel quite uncomfortable. The high heat could prove dangerous to vulnerable populations and those who don’t have access to air conditioning.
All-time high and possibly maximum overnight low records will be in jeopardy for August in many locations on the South Coast.
The heat will then peak on Thursday, with temperatures in the lower 30s around Vancouver and highs topping out in the upper 30s toward the international border. Some communities could see feels-like values in the lower 40s.
ONGOING WILDFIRES: Hundreds of wildfires burn across B.C.’s Interior as another heat wave looms
Currently, there are more than 260 active wildfires across B.C., with the majority of the fires burning in the Interior. This latest round of heat will further dry out vegetation and lead to favourable conditions for ongoing wildfires to spread and for new wildfires to spark throughout the week. There is no significant rain in sight through the weekend.
Thumbnail courtesy of B.C. Wildfire Service.
Stay tuned to The Weather Network for the latest on the heat and wildfires across British Columbia.