Peak heat building in B.C. but chilly relief is on the way
Daytime highs into the low- to mid-30s are expected across parts of British Columbia on Tuesday as ridge of heat reaches its peak.
It's been an above-seasonal June across British Columbia this year, being close to two degrees warmer on average than usual. In fact, the last time we saw below-seasonal temperatures in the province was back on June 10 in Vancouver. However, this was quickly followed by the hottest day of the year so far on June 15, when temperatures reached 27.3°C.
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The summer heat is once again building across B.C. to start the week, with temperatures forecast to peak on Tuesday thanks to a ridge of high pressure pushing dry heat into southern and central parts of the province.
Daytime highs are expected to reach into the mid-30s across the Interior on Tuesday, as well as the low-30s for inland Vancouver and mid- to high-20s along the coast.
As the heat builds, we will also see instability build in the atmosphere, opening the doors to a risk of scattered thunderstorms across the Interior on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Heat safety tips
Intense heat can be dangerous for everyone, but especially for children, elderly people, unhoused people, or those with respiratory disease. Check up on friends and family to make sure they have access to a cool space and drinking water.
If you can, try to limit your time outdoors and in the sun, as well as make sure to drink plenty of fluids.
Also, remember to never leave children of animals alone in a vehicle, as the interior temperatures can and will quickly soar to dangerous levels.
Chilly pattern change on the horizon
A pattern change by the end of the week is expected to bring a complete 180 to the forecast across the province.
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Folks should see cool and rainy weather gradually move into the province on Thursday, with daytime highs plunging back into the teens by the weekend.
The return of cool and rainy weather is great news for B.C.'s wildfire risk, especially as an active out-of-control fire burns near Lytton.
Stay with The Weather Network for more information and updates on your forecast across B.C.