Heat warnings, thunderstorm watches in effect for B.C.

More than a dozen heat warnings are in effect across B.C. Sunday and while cooler weather is incoming the wildfire service says it will bring gusty winds and lightning – increasing the risk for new starts and more aggressive behavior on current blazes.

More than a dozen heat warnings are in effect across B.C. Sunday and while cooler weather is incoming the wildfire service says it will bring gusty winds and lightning – increasing the risk for new starts and more aggressive behavior on current blazes.

Daytime highs in the mid-30s are expected throughout southern B.C. including in the Fraser Canyon, the Okanagan Valley, the south Thompson and the westers part of the Kootenays. Overnight lows in these areas are expected to be in the mid-teens, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

“Temperatures are very high and there is a moderate risk to public health,” the agency says.

“The above average heat will persist until Monday morning when the temperatures are expected to cool below the warning criteria.”

On Saturday, daily heat records were broken in four communities: Lillooet, Osoyoos, Penticton and Vernon.

Heat warning are also in effect for Whistler and Howe Sound and the inland areas of Vancouver Island’s north and central coasts.

Severe thunderstorm watches are in effect for parts of southeastern B.C., including the east Kootenays.