Wildfire smoke impacts Vancouver as temperatures will feel up to 35°C
Sunshine has returned to Metro Vancouver in full force this week, but the rise in temperatures is accompanied by wildfire smoke in the forecast for the region.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is calling for sunshine to stick around for the next seven days, from Monday, July 20, until Sunday, July 26.
Monday’s temperatures will reach up to 28°C inland and make things feel up to 32°C inland with the humidex.
However, Tuesday will jump even higher, with temperatures reaching 30°C inland and the humidex pushing it up to 35°C inland.
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“We’ve got a bit of a warm-up coming,” explained ECCC meteorologist Matt Loney. “Temperatures will peak on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the added humidity feeling up to mid-30s inland. There is a humid airmass coming in from Northern California.
“Relief may be coming on Friday, with a maritime airmass coming in from the ocean.”
ECCC is also calling for “hazy” skies to start the week due to wildfire smoke.
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“A recent thunderstorm event saw 50,000 lightning strikes and 130 fire starts noted through the weekend in B.C.,” explained Loney to Daily Hive. “Fire sources could become more prevalent, with more hot, dry weather coming.
“Smoke is drifting in from the north-east, with a significant fire in the Fraser Canyon. Airflow isn’t exceptional at this time, and folks will be able to smell it in the coming hours.
Metro Vancouver Regional District confirmed to Daily Hive that it and the Fraser Valley are experiencing hazy conditions from wildfire smoke drifting above the region.
“The smoke is likely from wildfires burning near Boston Bar and in other parts of the province,” said the District in an email. “Fine particulate matter (air pollution particle) measurements in eastern parts of the region are slightly higher than usual due to smoke reaching the ground.
“This morning, fine particulate matter measurements across the region remain below air quality warning thresholds, and it is unclear if they will reach warning thresholds today. Winds from the west are forecasted to strengthen this afternoon, which may bring cleaner air to the region and help to improve air quality.”
Temperatures in the Vancouver forecast reach up to 29°C inland on Wednesday and 27°C inland on Thursday.
However, things will cool off slightly for the weekend, with temperatures reaching up to 22°C from Friday to Sunday.
The weather overnight is expected to stay warm, with lows of 15°C and 16°C.
No matter the weather, make the most of your week with our list of 20 great things to do in Vancouver from July 20 to 26.
Check out the Vancouver Chinatown Festival, the Strathcona Blocks Party, and more.