Heat warnings expand to much of southern B.C. as daily temperature records fall

People enjoy the heat wave across Vancouver Island during a low tide at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park in Parksville, B.C., on Friday, July 27, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

SQUAMISH — Heat warnings in British Columbia have expanded to much of the southern and coastal inland of the province, after several daily records fell.

Environment Canada says heat warnings that now cover much of the east coast of Vancouver Island, Whistler and the Fraser Valley are expected to last until Wednesday, while warnings for the Interior could last until Thursday.

Temperatures in coastal areas are expected to surpass 30 degrees, while the southern Interior and Fraser Valley can expect temperatures into the mid-30s.

The current wave of high temperatures led to four daily records being reached or breached on Monday, in Kitimat, Dease Lake, Sechelt and Squamish, where the temperature of 34.6 degrees surpassed a mark set in 1990.

Monday’s highest temperature in B.C. and Canada was 36.3 degrees in Lytton.

BC Hydro has said summer power consumption in the province may reach all-time highs this week as heat pushes people to use air conditioners in a bid to cool down.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 21, 2026.