B.C. heat wave: Here's how hot it could get in Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley this week
A heat wave passing through southeastern B.C. is expected to bring above-seasonal temperatures in the next few days, a special weather statement warns.
Environment Canada's notice says temperatures during the day are predicted to be about five to 10 degrees higher than normal for this time of year.
- Stay up to date with your local forecast here
- An 83-year-old temperature record was just broken in B.C.
A ridge associated with warm temperatures will move inland Tuesday, the weather authority says, which will lead to a couple cooler days mid-week.
But by the weekend, the heat is expected to return.
"The ridge will rebuild from Thursday onward and herald more dry and very warm conditions through the weekend," the weather statement says.
Environment Canada's notice covers Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Greater Victoria, Eastern and Inland Vancouver Island, Southern Gulf Islands, Howe Sound, Whistler and the Sunshine Coast.
Environment Canada predicts Vancouver's temperatures will reach 25 C and 24 C on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. On Wednesday and Thursday it's expected to be a little cooler and get no warmer than 22 C.
But on the weekend it could get as hot as 28 C on Saturday, Environment Canada's forecast for Vancouver shows.
The average high temperature for that day is about 20 C in the city and the highest temperature on Environment Canada's record for that day is 30.2 C, which was noted in 2002.
In parts of the Fraser Valley, it's expected to get even warmer. Chilliwack's forecast for the weekend says it could get as hot as 33 C on Saturday.
BC HYDRO EXPECTS HEAT WAVE TO BREAK RECORD
As the mercury rises all over British Columbia, analysts at BC Hydro are predicting electricity use will smash a summer record.
Sunday night already saw a significant increase over a week earlier.
“We’re definitely seeing numbers creep up, but we expect those to continue to go up higher and higher as it gets hotter and hotter this week,” said BC Hydro spokesperson Mora Scott.
Analysts are able to get real-time electricity readings, and usage is measured in hourly increments.
They figure “the peak hourly load” record will likely be broken between the hours of 5 and 6 p.m. when most people get home and begin cooking.
When it’s hot, customers also turn on their fans and air conditioners, and they eat up a lot of power.
“It’s definitely a possibility,” said Scott.
Hydro recommends customers close their blinds during the day, because that can keep up to 60 per cent of heat outside homes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.