Hot summer expected in BC, particularly in Interior: Weather Network

British Columbia – and particularly the Interior – could be in for a hot summer, according to The Weather Network.

The forecaster reckons heatwaves are likely in the province in July and August, with Kelowna and Kamloops both namechecked. That means “significant fire danger.”

Near the coast, however, temperatures are predicted to be nearer to seasonal averages.

That includes in Vancouver and Victoria, the forecaster said.

“Rainfall totals are forecast to be below normal or near normal across most of the province, so the threat of wildfires, smoke, and poor air quality will increasingly concern us as we progress through the season,” Doug Gillham, senior meteorologist at The Weather Network, wrote.

“Keep in mind that summer is the driest time of year in BC, so even normal precipitation combined with hot temperatures is insufficient to prevent a significant fire danger.”

He added: “At this point, we expect the hottest weather this summer to be focused to the east of BC, but we are concerned that it may expand west into the province at times. If the heat does remain concentrated to the east, then showers and thunderstorms will be more frequent and widespread across the province than our current forecast suggests.

“If it occurs, it would provide significant relief from the dry conditions.”

Next door in Alberta, “extended heat waves” and “a risk of extreme heat” are forecast.

That will also mean the threat of drought in Wild Rose Country, alongside wildfires.

Across the country as a whole, The Weather Network is predicting that most Canadians will experience hotter than average temperatures throughout June, July and August.

Read the full forecast here.