DAWSON CREEK, B.C. - Dawson Creek set a new daily temperature record Wednesday as a stretch of hot weather gripped northeastern British Columbia and pushed temperatures near record levels across much of the Peace Region.
Environment Canada recorded a high of 28 C in Dawson Creek on July 15, breaking the previous record of 27.2 C that was set in 2004.
Fort St. John also came close to setting a new record. The city reached 27 C, just shy of the daily record of 27.8 C, established in 1948.
Elsewhere in the region, temperatures climbed to 29 C in Fort Nelson, compared to the record of 33.3 C set in 1941, while Chetwynd reached 27 C, well below its July 15 record of 35.1 C from 2014. Tumbler Ridge also saw temperatures hit 27 C.
The heat is expected to intensify heading into Thursday, with Environment Canada forecasting a high of 31 C in Dawson Creek, accompanied by a humidex value of 32.
Sunny conditions are expected to continue through Friday, with another high of 30 C in the forecast.
While the recent temperatures are well above seasonal norms, relief may be on the way. The forecast calls for increasing cloud cover and a chance of showers beginning Saturday, with daytime highs dropping into the mid-20s through the weekend.
The normal daytime high for Dawson Creek at this time of year is 21 C, meaning temperatures this week are running about 7 to 10 degrees above average.
Heat Warning Issued
Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Fort Nelson and the North Peace Region.
The agency says high temperatures are a risk to public health. Daytime highs in the high 20’s and low 30’s will last for two to three days.
However, Fort Nelson may see the high temperatures last until the middle of next week.
Environment Canada says heat affects everyone, but the risks are greater for seniors, people who live alone, people with pre-existing health conditions and for those with limited mobility.
Resident are advised to check on family, friends and neighbours, who are at higher risk, particularly if they live alone, to make sure they have a cool space.
Watch for early signs of heat illness (feeling unwell, fatigue, thirst, headache, unusually dark urine) as these can rapidly evolve into life-threatening emergencies.
Anyone working in the heat should take regularly scheduled breaks in a cool or shaded space.
The warm weather comes as much of Western Canada experiences a midsummer heat surge, sending residents searching for ways to stay cool and prompting reminders from health officials to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day.
Meteorologists will be watching closely to see whether additional daily temperature records fall in the Peace Region as the hot weather continues through the end of the work week.