B.C. set to see short-lived heat event as temperatures set to spike
A major pattern change is set to unfold across British Columbia as a powerful ridge of high pressure is forecast to intensify.
With June firmly in place and the official start of summer less than two weeks away, the atmosphere across parts of the country is primed for classic heat and humidity.
In B.C., the province is set to experience some of that summer heat on the weekend, with a ridge of high pressure on the horizon--leading to an uptick in temperatures.
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Temperatures are set to rise to the upper 20s, and near or into the 30s for the South Coast and into the Interior.
Weekend heat coming for B.C.
By Friday, signs of the ridge building along the coast become apparent, cutting off the threat of unsettled weather.
On Saturday, the ridge continues to amplify off the Pacific Ocean, pushing temperatures well-above the seasonal mark across most of coastal British Columbia.
The ridge reaches peak intensity on Sunday, amplifying into the Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
Monday is the final hot day for much of the South Coast before a more onshore flow dominates and the ridge flattens.
Maximum temperatures in 2026
Campbell River: 29.3 C (Forecast max: 30)
Nanaimo: 29.1 C (Forecast max: 27)
Victoria: 26.4 C (Forecast max: 25)
Vancouver (YVR): 26.0 C (Forecast max: 24-26, higher inland)
Abbotsford: 28.6 C (Forecast max: 31)
Squamish: 30.9 C (Forecast max: 32)
Temperatures in the Interior are forecast to just be a few degrees above seasonal as the core of the warm anomaly remains anchored closer to the coast.
Hot weather safety tips
Drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can be dehydrating.
Avoid direct sunlight, especially during peak hours and when the UV rating is high.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
Use air conditioning when possible. If you do not have access to air conditioning, consider visiting a cooling centre, a shopping centre, or a public library.
Check on elderly relatives and other vulnerable neighbours.
Stay with the Weather Network for updates on the heat in British Columbia