FILE PHOTO - A boy in a kayak on Okanagan Lake in Peachland is seen in this undated file photo.
(KATHY MICHAELS / iNFOnews.ca)
July 02, 2021 - 11:45 AM
Temperatures have begun to cool down across B.C. when compared to the extreme heat earlier this week but record daytime high temperature records are still being broken.
In the Okanagan, Kelowna broke its record for Canada Day, July 1, by reaching 38.8 Celsius. The old record was 36.9 C set in 1987. Records in this area have been kept since 1899, according to Environment Canada.
Penticton also broke yesterday’s record reaching 38 C. The old record was set in 1987 with 36.6. Records in this area have been kept since 1907.
Osoyoos set a new record as it reached 37.6 C. The old record was set in 2008 at 36.6 C. Records in this area have been kept since 1954.
Heat warnings remain in effect for the region but temperatures have begun to cool off.
An exceptionally strong ridge of high pressure over British Columbia will continue to bring record-breaking temperatures this week.
"The duration of this heat wave is concerning as there is little relief at night with elevated overnight temperatures. This record-breaking heat event will increase the potential for heat-related illnesses and increase the risk of wildfires due to drought conditions,” according to an Environment Canada special weather statement.
Daytime highs will range from 32 to 37 C combined with overnight lows of 16 to 20 C, according to Environment Canada.
An air quality statement is also in effect for the Okanagan due to wildfire smoke.
For the full list of records broken across B.C., visit Environment Canada's website here.
READ MORE: Smoky skies loom over Kamloops
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