Cranbrook broke a heat record on Sunday, August 16, with a high temperature of 35.5 degrees. According to Environment Canada, the last time it was that hot on August 16 was in 2008 (a temperature of 35.3), with records dating back to 1901.
Creston also set a new record on Sunday, with a high of 39.8 degrees. The old record was 38.9, set in 1967.
On Monday, August 17, Environment Canada issued a heat warning for the East Kootenay region including Cranbrook with temperatures expected to reach 35 degrees and overnight lows near 18 degrees.
Carmen Hartt, Meteorologist with Environment Canada says that a ridge of high pressure is expected to sustain warm temperatures for the next few days.
“These temperatures are fairly common for this time of year in the Interior region,” said Hartt. “The weather feature responsible is a really high ridge of pressure over southern B.C. The heat is expected to stay for a few days, and moderate mid-week with temperatures closer to the high twenties.”
READ MORE: Heat warnings posted for parts of B.C. as temperature records have tumbled
The alert from Environment Canada says that little relief is expected tonight (Monday), as temperatures will only drop to the mid or upper teens.
On Tuesday, daytime highs will be a few degrees lower than today, reaching the low-mid 30s. The heat warning will likely be ended sometime on Tuesday, says Environment Canada.
“The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors,” reads the alert. “Reduce your heat risk. Schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day. Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.”
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