The recent spike in temperatures across British Columbia has once again caused daily heat records to fall in several communities in the waning days of summer.
In Dawson Creek, Environment Canada reported the highest temperature for September 17. The high reached 29.3 degrees, breaking the previous record of 25 degrees set in 1981.
In Chetwynd, the temperature reached 27.5 degrees, just below the 28 degrees record from 1982.
In Fort St. John, the heat matched the record of 27.8 degrees, first set in 1951 and later in 1916.
Environment Canada reported Tumbler Ridge reached 27.3 degrees, surpassing the record of 26 degrees in 2001.
Environment Canada said the high temperature record in another 10 communities was either breached or tied on Wednesday, including Kamloops which hit more than 34 degrees.
That shattered the old mark for September 17 of 32.2 degrees, reported in 1937.
Records were also broken in Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, Salmon Arm and Cache Creek, among other communities.
“A strong ridge of high pressure brought unseasonably high temperatures across British Columbia on Wednesday,” said Environment Canada.
BC Wildfire Service said strong, gusty winds were expected across much of the Prince George Fire Centre.
The province urged residents to stay safe and vigilant in windy conditions, as existing wildfires may become more active.
The BC Wildfire Service said the short stretch of hot weather has triggered a small rebound in the number of active fires in the province, with about 128 burning as of this morning.
The service said seven new fires were started in the last 24 hours versus five declared out, adding that the southern Interior will remain warm today despite cooler conditions in the coastal regions.
With files from The Canadian Press, first published Sept. 18, 2025.