Heat records broken in the Okanagan but not Kamloops

Kamloops recorded a high temperature of 33 Celsius yesterday, May 14.

That was hotter than anywhere in the Okanagan but was not record-setting, according to Environment Canada.

Kelowna only got to 31.9 C but that broke the record set in 2018 of 30.2 C. It was slightly cooler in Vernon, at 31.6 C, but that broke its previous record of 30 C, set in 1924.

In all, 33 heat records were tied or broken in B.C., ranging from the North to Vancouver Island and into the Kootenays.

Lytton, as usual, was the hottest in the Thompson-Okanagan region hitting 35.1 C, breaking its 1973 record of 33.9 C.

But it was Squamish that recorded the highest temperature of the 33 communities on the list at 35.8 C smashing its 2018 record of 29.2 C.

Records were also broken in Cache Creek (34.2 C), Clearwater (33.9 C), Clinton (28.3), Lillooet (34.9 C) and Revelstoke (31.7)

This may just be the start of record-breaking days as temperatures in the region are forecast to continue to rise into next weekend.

Kamloops is forecast to reach 33 C today and peak at 35 C on Friday before dropping down to 28 C on Sunday.

Environment Canada temperature forecasts are all the same for Okanagan cities with highs expected to reach 31 C today and climbing to 33 C on Thursday and Friday.

While some call this a heat dome, it’s still nowhere near as hot at the all-time high records set on June 29, 2021.

On that day, Lytton set an all-time Canadian heat record of 49.6 C. Kamloops came in 47.3 C, Kelowna was 45.7 C and Vernon was 44.2 C. Penticton’s record was set on June 28 when it reached 42.5 C.

The forecast shows no chance of precipitation for the coming week in Kamloops and only a 30% chance of showers in Kelowna and Vernon tomorrow. Penticton has a 30% chance of showers today and tomorrow.

The area around Merritt has an extreme fire risk rating but the rest of the region shows moderate to low risk, so far.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Rob Munro or call 250-808-0143 or email the editor. You can also submitphotos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.