Environment Canada warns of high winds across most of B.C.

VANCOUVER – Windy weather is in the forecast for most of British Columbia today as a cold front sweeps across the province.

The shift comes on the heals of unseasonably warm and sunny conditions that have seen temperature records broken in many regions.

Environment Canada has issued special weather statements from Fort Nelson in the northeast, south to the Elk Valley and west to Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island.

Across the Lower Mainland, it says wind gusts up to 60 km/h may toss loose objects and cause drought-weakened tree branches to snap this afternoon and evening.

In the province’s north and parts of the central Interior, gusts are expected to reach 70 to 80 km/h.

The BC Wildfire Service has warned the wind could stoke forest fires, especially without much rain expected to relieve drought conditions in many regions.

There are 163 wildfires burning, including a 151-hectare fire outside Grand Forks, B.C., with 47 firefighters battling it.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 10, 2022.