New temperature records set in the Cariboo – again

Williams Lake re-broke its newest temperature record in less than a day.

The Lake City broke the new highest temperature record with a high of 32.6 degrees, recorded on August 26. This new record high surpasses the previous record of 31.4 degrees, set on August 25.

Matt Loney, a Meteorologist for Environment Canada, says Williams Lake’s new record was one of a few that were set across the Cariboo and South Cariboo.

“This is the third day in a row that we’ve had some sort of temperature record set or rerecorded in the Cariboo,” Loney says. “Clinton eclipsed its old record with a 33.2 degrees [on August 26], beating its old record of 22.9, set in 2022.”

Quesnel broke its warmest temperature record, reaching 34 degrees. The previous record was 33.3 degrees set in 1934.

“This one is most significant in my eyes, because of the period of record being so lengthy,” Loney says. “We’ll probably set a few more records this week, especially at the shorter period of records at stations like Clinton and Williams Lake.”

The Puntzi Mountain and Tatlayoko Lake Areas in the Chilcotin also broke records for the third day in a row. Puntzi Mountain set a new record with a high of 34.3 degrees; previously, the record was 29.6, set in 1996.

Tatlayoko Lake broke its record set earlier this week, yesterday, with a high of 35.3 degrees. Loney says Tatlayoko is one of the areas expected to break its current record this week, potentially reaching up to high in the 36-degree range.

Loney says part of the cause of the higher temperatures is do to a strong ridge of high-pressure air masses with low humidity that has blown upwards from the southwest United States. Loney says to expect these higher temperatures for the next few days, before it cools down slightly for the weekend.

“Across the mainland of British Columbia, we’ve set 29 new records yesterday. It’s quite an exceptional air mass to experience for this time of the year. Today and tomorrow, we still have these threatening record temperatures. So try to stay cool, use municipal buildings with air conditioning if you can. Stay hydrated. At night, when the temperatures are cooler, keep windows open.”