BREAKING
Dozens of temperature records broken across B.C., days before the start of spring
People enjoy a sunny day at Vancouver's Kitsilano beach on March 16, 2024.
Dozens of temperature records were broken in B.C. on Sunday as parts of the province saw their warmest weekend of the year so far.
Sunday marked the third day in a row that new records were set for high temperatures in parts of B.C., according to preliminary data from Environment Canada. Friday saw 10 records defeated, Saturday brought 38 new high temperatures and, on Sunday, another 38 new records were set. Most of the records that fell were decades old, including some that were previously set more than 100 years ago.
Vancouver, for example, broke its March 17 record first set in 1900 and tied in 1995. On Sunday, it got as warm as 15.1 C. Previously, it had only been as warm as 14.4 C on that day.
Meanwhile, in Quesnel, the mercury rose to 22.8 C on Sunday. That shattered the area's previous record for March 17 of 17.2 C, which was last set in 1902.
The records were broken as a "ridge of high pressure" swept through the province, according to the federal weather agency.
The warm temperatures are forecast to last until Tuesday, before more typical March weather, including rain and mild temperatures, returns by Wednesday.
The list of maximum temperature records broken on Sunday according to Environment Canada's preliminary data includes:
- Abbotsford area: New record of 21.5 C, old record of 20.6 C set in 1947
- Blue River area: New record of 20.2 C, old record of 14.2 C set in 2019
- Burns Lake area: New record of 15.9 C, old record of 12.8 C set in 1957
- Cache Creek area: New record of 21 C, old record of 20.6 C set in 1947
- Clearwater area: New record of 206 C, old record of 18.3 C set in 1915
- Clinton area: New record of 17.2 C, old record of 12.9 C set in 2007
- Dawson Creek area: New record of 20.9 C, old record of 12.8 C set in 1930
- Fort St. John area: New record of 19.7 C, old record of 12.8 C set in 1910
- Gibsons area: New record of 18.8 C, old record of 16.2 C set in 2019
- Kelowna area: New record of 18.9 C, old record of 16.1 C set in 1914
- Mackenzie area: New record of 17.1 C, old record of 11.5 C set in 2019
- Malahat area: New record of 18.2 C, old record of 14.7 C set in 2019
- Merritt area: New record of 23.2 C, old record of 19.4 C set in 1972
- Naksup area: New record of 13.6 C, old record of 13.1 C set in 2019
- Nelson area: New record of 18.6 C, old record of 16.7 C set in 1947
- Osoyoos area: New record of 22.2 C, old record of 20 C set in 1972
- Pemberton area: New record of 20.9 C, old record of 18.1 C set in 2019
- Pitt Meadows area: New record of 22.5 C, old record of 19.5 C set in 2019
- Port Alberni area: New record of 20.9 C, old record of 18.9 C set in 1930
- Powell River area: New record of 19.4 C, old record of 16.7 C set in 1972
- Prince George area: New record of 20.2 C, old record of 13.3 C set in 1941
- Princeton area: New record of 22.5 C, old record of 20.6 C set in 1947
- Puntzi Mountain area: New record of 18 C, old record of 12.1 C set in 2007
- Quesnel area: New record of 22.8 C, old record of 17.2 C set in 1902
- Richmond area: New record of 14.6 C, old record of 14.4 C set in 1900 (tied in 1995)
- Sechelt area: New record of 18.8 C, old record of 16.2 C set in 2019
- Smithers area: New record of 16 C, old record of 11.7 C set in 1947
- Sparwood area: New record of 16.9 C, old record of 13.3 C set in 1972
- Squamish area: New record of 22.2 C, old record of 21.3 C set in 2019
- Summerland area: New record of 17.5 C, old record of 16.1 C set in 1972
- Tatlayoko Lake area: New record of 18.4 C, old record of 17.2 C set in 1947
- Trail area: New record of 20.8 C, old record of 18.3 C set in 1947
- Vancouver area: New record of 15.1 C, old record of 14.4 C set in 1900 (tied in 1995)
- Vernon area: New record of 19.3 C, old record of 18.3 C set in 1914
- West Vancouver area: New record of 18.9 C, old record of 17.8 C set in 1995
- Whistler area: New record of 18.9 C, old record of 14.4 C set in 2019
- Williams Lake area: New record of 19.5 C, old record of 14.9 C set in 2007
- Yoho (National Park) area: New record of 12.5 C, old record of 12.2 C set in 1947
Environment Canada says its weather-record summary "may contain preliminary or unofficial information and does not constitute a complete or final report."
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Lisa Steacy
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW
NEW Who should lead the Liberals? 'None of the above,' poll finds
As questions loom over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s leadership, a new Nanos Research poll commissioned for CTV News says a quarter of Canadians say none of the potential candidates appeal to them.
Canada's response to Trump deportation plan a key focus of revived cabinet committee
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's promise to launch a mass deportation of millions of undocumented people has the Canadian government looking at its own border.
New technology solves mystery of late First World War soldier's flower sent home to Canada
In 1916, Harold Wrong plucked a flower from the fields of Somme, France and tucked it into a letter he mailed home to Toronto. For decades, the type of flower sent remained a mystery.
U.S. election maps: How did 2024 compare to 2020 and 2016?
Though two states have yet to be officially called, the U.S. election map has mostly been settled. How does it compare with the previous two elections?
Canada rent report: What landlords are asking tenants to pay
Average asking rents declined nationally on a year-over-year basis for the first time in more than three years in October, said a report out Thursday.
N.S. school 'deeply sorry' for asking service members not to wear uniforms at Remembrance Day ceremony
An elementary school in the Halifax area has backed away from a request that service members not wear uniforms to the school's Remembrance Day ceremony.
Remembrance Day: What's open and closed in Canada?
While banks and post offices will be closed nationwide on Remembrance Day, shops and businesses could be open depending on where you live in Canada.
BREAKING
BREAKING Judicial recount for Surrey-Guildford confirms B.C. NDP's majority
The B.C. New Democrats have a majority government of 47 seats after a judicial recount in the riding of Surrey-Guildford gave the party's candidate 22 more votes than the provincial Conservatives.
48,584 space heaters recalled in Canada after burn injury in U.S.
Health Canada has announced a recall for electric space heaters over potential fire and burn risks, a notice published Thursday reads.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Vancouver Island
-
BREAKING
BREAKING Judicial recount for Surrey-Guildford confirms B.C. NDP's majority
The B.C. New Democrats have a majority government of 47 seats after a judicial recount in the riding of Surrey-Guildford gave the party's candidate 22 more votes than the provincial Conservatives.
-
Parts of B.C. parks closed after storms damage roads, trails, campsites
Large sections of provincial parks in southern British Columbia remain closed after recent heavy rain and wind storms that caused flooding and damaged trails, campsites and roads.
-
Sides in B.C. port dispute to meet in bid to end lockout after talk with minister
Employers and the union representing supervisors embroiled in a labour dispute that triggered a lockout at British Columbia's ports will attempt to reach a deal when talks restart this weekend.
Kelowna
-
Child found 'small razor blade' in Halloween candy in Kamloops, B.C., RCMP say
Police in Kamloops, B.C., are reminding parents and guardians to check their children's Halloween candy after receiving a report of a mother finding a razor blade in one of her daughter's treats.
-
Pickup truck may be linked to suspicious deaths, RCMP say 2 years after bodies found in B.C. park
More than two years after Alannah Brown and Douglas Barker were found dead north of Penticton, police are asking for help identifying a vehicle they believe was associated with the crime.
-
B.C. homeowner astounded someone managed to steal one of his prized giant pumpkins
Dave Lindsey began growing giant pumpkins to bring a bit of magic to his grandkids' Halloween.
Edmonton
-
Bonnyville teacher arrested 2nd time while out on conditions for sexual assault, child luring
RCMP have charged a former Bonnyville teacher who is accused of child sex offences with failing to comply with a release order – again.
-
Massage therapist charged with sexual assault, police searching for victims
Edmonton Police Service (EPS) have arrested and charged a 49-year-old man with four counts of sexual assault.
-
Albertans 'still struggling' in healthcare system one year after provincial overhaul
Last November, the Alberta government announced it would transform and overhaul its healthcare system and divide it into four health agencies.
Calgary
-
Minivan and school bus collide in northeast Calgary intersection, causing bus to hit building
Calgary police are investigating a crash between a minivan and a school bus on Friday.
-
The Boss, Banff's biggest grizzly, visits Bow Valley backyard for crab apples
The residents of Harvie Heights got a shock last weekend when the most famous bear in the Bow Valley, Bear 122, aka 'The Boss,' came looking for crab apples.
-
Calgary to host 2026 Grey Cup festival
Calgary will host the 2026 Grey Cup championship, officials said Friday.
Lethbridge
-
What’s open and closed Monday in Lethbridge as city hosts 2 Remembrance Day ceremonies
The City of Lethbridge is hosting a pair of Remembrance Day ceremonies on Monday to honour those who have served and continue to fight for our freedom.
-
5 graduates welcomed as Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services staffing challenges linger
With more than 26,000 calls last year, staffing for Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) has been stretched thin at times.
-
NCAA grants eligibility to CHL players starting next season
CHL players will soon have more flexibility. The NCAA has deemed CHL players eligible beginning in the 2025-26 season.
Winnipeg
-
Winnipeg teacher who faces voyeurism charge now accused of sexually assaulting former student
A Winnipeg teacher previously charged with voyeurism and a number of other offences has been charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a former student.
-
Failures laid bare by deaths in Manitoba child welfare system, advocates warn
Advocates are warning Manitoba’s most vulnerable children are being failed by a system meant to protect them – failures they say have been laid bare by recent deaths in the province.
-
Murray Sinclair memorial service to take place Sunday
Murray Sinclair will be honoured with a national commemorative ceremony on Sunday.
Regina
-
Family of young woman killed during terrorist attack in Israel speaks out one year after death
The family of Tifheret Lapidot, a young woman who was killed at the hands of Hamas one year ago, are speaking out.
-
Sask. man facing child pornography charges following investigation
A 44-year-old Grand Coulee, Sask. man is facing child pornography charges following an investigation by the Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit.
-
Two vehicles shot at in southeast Regina, Police investigating
Regina police are asking the public for tips after a gun was fired at two vehicles earlier this week in the Wood Meadows neighbourhood.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon Police Service suspends 5 officers with pay following 'off-duty incident'
A group of Saskatoon police officers have been suspended, with pay, following an undisclosed incident.
-
Ontario man who shot wife dies in Sask. psychiatric prison
Denis Grandbois, an inmate at the Regional Psychiatric Centre, died of “apparent natural causes” on Thursday, according to a statement from the Correctional Service of Canada.
-
Sask. First Nation strikes $155M 'cows and plows' settlement
Saskatchewan’s Thunderchild First Nation has struck an historic agreement to settle Treaty 6 benefits that went unpaid for 150 years.
Toronto
-
'A big bombshell': Toronto parents scrambling to find child care after daycares warn of huge fee hikes in January
Parents with children at two west-end daycares say they are scrambling to find alternative child-care arrangements after their centres informed them that fees are set to more than double in the New Year.
-
How Toronto is marking Remembrance Day this year, and what's closed on Monday
With Remembrance Day on Monday, there will be several events honouring armed forces members who died in the line of duty.
-
Toronto man facing murder charge in deadly stabbing at Scarborough social housing complex
A Toronto man is facing a second-degree murder charge following a fatal stabbing at a social housing apartment building in Scarborough early Thursday morning.
Montreal
-
Montreal family wants safer roads after teen hit by car on his way to school
Ever since Charlie Shein was hit by a car while crossing the street to go to school, his family has been trying to figure out how to make sure it doesn’t happen to anyone else.
-
‘It makes no sense’: Plante urges CAQ to accept federal money for homelessness
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante is calling on Quebec and Ottawa to settle a “constitutional fight” that’s holding up $100 million the province needs to tackle its homelessness problem.
-
Police looking for suspect in connection with Ville-Marie break-in
Montreal police (SPVM) are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two suspects accused of threatening two people with firearms after breaking into their home.
Ottawa
-
Petition against erecting sprung structure in Kanata quickly gains support
A petition calling on the City of Ottawa to re-evaluate a decision to include a site in Kanata as a possible location for temporary housing for asylum seekers has quickly gained attention.
-
Federal union warns government 'widening the net' to reduce spending
The Public Service Alliance of Canada says the government held a briefing with unions on Thursday to discuss the 'Refocusing Government Spending Initiative." PSAC says, "without prior consultation, the government unilaterally announced their plans to cut costs across the federal public service."
-
Person of interest in suspicious incidents sought by Ottawa police in Mooney's Bay
The Ottawa Police Service is asking the public for help in identifying a person of interest allegedly involved with multiple suspicious incidents that have been happening since Oct. 24 in the neighbourhood of Mooney's Bay.
Atlantic
-
N.S. school 'deeply sorry' for asking service members not to wear uniforms at Remembrance Day ceremony
An elementary school in the Halifax area has backed away from a request that service members not wear uniforms to the school's Remembrance Day ceremony.
-
Moncton, N.B. woman facing human trafficking charges in Ottawa
A woman from Moncton, N.B. is facing human trafficking charges related to incidents in Ottawa, police have announced.
-
What the Macdonald Bridge closure chaos revealed about the state of Halifax traffic
A professor at Dalhousie University says Thursday’s closure of the Macdonald Bridge in Halifax is concerning, especially if the peninsula was ever under a mandatory evacuation order.
London
-
Victoria Park unity rally cancelled over fears of violence following Brampton demonstrations
Organizers of a unity rally for India have cancelled this weekend’s London event over fears of violence.
-
Mother 'pulled out a baseball bat' in confrontation with Regina Mundi students
Just after 11:00 on Wednesday morning, a fight broke out near the portables at Regina Mundi Catholic High School - but it wasn’t between students.
-
'People have stopped coming': Longtime volunteer at the Palace Theatre pleads with city not to bring more homeless services to Old East Village
Located near the epicentre of London’s homelessness crisis, the Palace Theatre continues to bring the performing arts to the Old East Village, but volunteer and former board chair David Long is blunt about its outlook.
Kitchener
-
Serious injuries after 401 crash involving tractor trailer
Around 11 a.m. Friday, emergency crews responded to the westbound lanes of Highway 401 near Blanford road for a crash involving a tractor-trailer.
-
Costco opens first location in Brantford
Costco Wholesale opened its first location in Brantford on Friday.
-
Four teens arrested after stolen vehicles found in Kitchener
Two minors and two adults have been charged in connection to an investigation of vehicles stolen in Peel and Niagara Regions, and found in Kitchener.
Northern Ontario
-
NEW
NEW Who should lead the Liberals? 'None of the above,' poll finds
As questions loom over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s leadership, a new Nanos Research poll commissioned for CTV News says a quarter of Canadians say none of the potential candidates appeal to them.
-
East Indian community in Sudbury united, despite tensions in GTA
The India Canada Association held a press conference in Sudbury on Friday morning to reassure the public that clashes, violence and tensions in the Greater Toronto Area involving Sikh and Hindu communities are not happening here.
-
Crews quickly extinguish morning vehicle fire on Hwy. 17 near North Bay
Fire crews quickly extinguished a vehicle fire Friday morning on Highway 17 near North Bay.
N.L.
-
Newfoundland beach blobs are plastic pollution, but source remains unknown: scientist
A Memorial University scientist says the mysterious white blobs washing up on Newfoundland beaches are actually gobs of plastic -- and they need to be cleaned up.
-
Teachers in Newfoundland and Labrador say violence is on the rise, averaging 22 incidents per school day
School staff are being struck more often, students are fighting more frequently, and police are increasingly being called to school grounds, according to data compiled and released this week by the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers' Association.
-
Newfoundland and Labrador cautioned about growing debt as province touts success
Newfoundland and Labrador's auditor general has issued a warning about the province's financial position as the government announced it would finish the 2024-25 fiscal year with a higher-than-expected deficit.
