Environmental concerns are rising along with the soaring temperatures in British Columbia, where a heat wave has generated worries about forests fires, water supplies and fish habitats.
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July 01, 2021 - 10:14 AM
As B.C.’s heat wave continues, temperature records in the Thompson, Nicola, Okanagan and Shuswap regions continue to meet new heights.
Kamloops set a new record yesterday, June 30, as it reached 46.6 C. The old record was 38.5 C set in 2008. Records in this area have been kept since 1890, according to Environment Canada. Merritt also broke its June 30 record reaching 43.8 C. The old record was 36.5 C set in 2008 and records date back to 1918.
READ MORE: One more day of the heat wave pushes Okanagan and Canadian records even higher
Cache Creek reached 47 C yesterday, beating the old record set in 2017 at 36.3 C. Records in this area have been kept since 1944.
In the North Okanagan, Vernon set a record with 43.9 C. The old one was 37.3 C set in 2008, with records dating back to 1900.
Kelowna also broke a new record, reaching 44.4 C at its UBCO weather station. The old record was 37.3 C, also set in 2008. Records in this area have been kept since 1899, according to Environment Canada.
In the South Okanagan, Penticton set a new record, reaching 44.2 C. The old record was 38.5 C set in 2008. Records have been kept since 1907. Osoyoos also broke a day record reaching 43 C. The previous record was also recorded in 2008 at 38.5 C, with records dating back to 1954.
Summerland saw 44.7 C yesterday, breaking the old record of 37 C set in 1987. Records in the area date back to 1907.
In the Shuswap, Salmon Arm reached 42.9 C. The city’s old record was 38.3 C set in 1924 with records dating back to 1924.
For a full list of temperature records broken yesterday across the province, visit Environment Canada's website.
A heat warning remains in effect for the Interior. A thunderstorm warning has also been issued for the North Okanagan, Shuswap and North Thompson regions today.
READ MORE: Severe thunderstorm watch for Vernon, Shuswap, North Thompson
Wildfires, spurred by dry forest fuels and the heat, continue to rage across the region.
B.C.’s largest wildfire, the Sparks Lake wildfire, located roughly 15 kilometres from Kamloops Lake, is recorded at 20,000 hectares in size.
The Village of Lytton was evacuated last night, as fire ravaged the town. This comes days after the town shattered heat records in Canada.
READ MORE: As Lytton burns, and new fires overnight, Kamloops fire chief warns: 'Lytton could be us'
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