Hot weather, wildfire smoke trigger advisories for most of southern B.C., Peace Region

B.C.'s first blast of summer-like weather has triggered weather advisories for much of the southern part of the province as well as air quality advisories linked to wildfires.

Environment Canada is continuing heat and air quality advisories for parts of British Columbia as the province bakes in its first sustained blast of summer weather.

A special weather statement warning of elevated temperatures remained in effect on Tuesday for the South Coast, central and southern Vancouver Island, and most of the southern Interior, including the Okanagan, Shuswap, Thompson and West Kootenay regions.

At the same time, air quality advisories related to early-season wildfires are in effect for the Peace Region, Fort Nelson, Howe Sound and Inland Vancouver Island.

On the South Coast, inland areas are expected to see temperatures with daytime highs in the high 20s, with overnight lows in the low teens, and cooler conditions along the immediate coast.

In the Southern Interior, daytime highs are expected in the mid to upper 30s, with overnight lows in the mid-teens.

Temperatures in both regions are expected to cool later in the week.

“Early season heat can be significant due to the lack of acclimatization to elevated temperatures,” Environment Canada warned.

“Keep your house cool. Block the sun by closing curtains or blinds. Watch for the effects of heat illness: heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature and the worsening of some health conditions … use fans to pull in cooler air from outdoors, but if you or someone you care for is experiencing symptoms of heat illness, find a cooler space.”