Environment Canada calling for a warmer and drier summer in BC

Stay cool and hydrated, because Environment Canada is calling for a warmer-than-normal summer in British Columbia.

“Looking at our long-range seasonal model, there are above normal temperatures in June, July, and August,” says Bobby Sekhon, Meteorologist at Environment Canada.

While all of BC, including the Interior, will have above average temperatures, Sekhon says that Coastal BC — which includes the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley — will likely see the biggest change in temperature

“It’s a question of how the discrepancy plays out,” he says.

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Sekhon also notes that other weather agencies, including the Weather Network, are also calling for hotter, drier summers too.

“It’s hard to predict how much warmer it would be,” Sekhon says. “It could over the stretch of three weeks; it could be something we see every day this summer. It’s something that we’ll have a better idea of within the next few weeks.”

Precipitation is more difficult to predict, according to Sekhon, but he says not to expect many showers, if at all.

“There isn’t enough information in the models, even with the seasonal forecast,” he says. “But we’re predicting that precipitation won’t be very high.”

So what’s Environment Canada’s advice ahead of what could be a very hot summer season?

“If we’re gonna have a warmer-than-normal summer, the younger and more vulnerable population should keep an eye on their health in case a heat wave comes,” says Sekhon. “Drink lots of water, avoid staying out in the sun for too long, and stay cool.”

“Obviously, there’s the fear of there being more forest fires this year. If that’s the case, limit the time and activity outdoors.”