‘Extreme heat wave’ in May has B.C. officials watching flooding and wildfire risk
High temperatures are expected in most parts of British Columbia this week and into the weekend, with the province saying it is concerned about the impact of flooding and wildfires.
Meteorologist Christy Gordon said current forecast models are predicting an unusual heat wave for this time of year.
Gordon added that temperatures for the week from Thursday to Thursday could be 5 to 15 degrees higher than average.
This means temperatures in the low 30s in the interior, throughout the Fraser Valley, and in some areas away from Metro Vancouver’s waters.
Gordon said that, while lower than the 2021 heat dome temperatures, the low 30s is extremely hot for early May and is expected to set new temperature records.
Let’s take a look at what temperatures are expected in the Fraser Valley over the next few days.
global skytracker
Let’s take a look at what temperatures are expected in the southern interior over the next few days.
global skytracker
State governments are concerned about the risks these high temperatures pose.
“Right now, our concern about rising temperatures across British Columbia is the impact on flooding and wildfires,” Emergency Management and Climate Change Minister Bowin Ma told Global News on Tuesday. rice field.
“While we have the ability to issue broadcast intrusion alarms when there is a danger to human health, our concern at the moment is the impact of rising temperatures on snowmelt, which will The risk of flooding will increase, and the risk of wildfires may also increase.”
There are currently 53 wildfires in the state, 4 of which are considered notable wildfires that either pose a potential danger to local communities or are highly regarded by surrounding communities. It is believed to be a conspicuous wildfire.
They are all located within the Prince George Fire Center.
A high-pressure ridge can be seen lodging over the state.
global skytracker
Meanwhile, smoke from the wildfires raging in Alberta is deteriorating air quality and reducing visibility in northeastern British Columbia.
A special air quality advisory has been issued for the Northpeace area and Fort Nelson, British Columbia.
Ma said the ministry has the capacity to open cooling centers if heat, smoke and human health impacts are a concern.
— with files from the Canadian news agency
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
