Temperature records as far back as 100 years ago were broken in some parts of the Cariboo region.
Yesterday saw warmer than normal temperatures, as Quesnel reached 10 point 2 degrees, with the previous record being 8 point 9 degrees in 1915, and Williams Lake reaching a high of 7 point 8 degrees, breaking the record of 6.1 in 1965.
Meteorologist, Derek Lee says these temperatures were caused by an atmospheric river.
“The observed temperatures were about 10 to 12 degrees warmer than normal for this for this time of year so, it’s pretty significant in terms of warmth.” says Lee.
“For perspective, the normal daytime high is a high of minus 2 for this time of year.”
Lee added that BC is also experiencing El Nino, which is expected to continue the warmer than normal temperatures throughout the winter season.
He says it isn’t out of the realm of possibility that the Cariboo could see more temperature records being broken this winter season.
For this week, Environment Canada is tracking a major system that could bring snowfall to the region on Saturday, with temperatures being a bit chillier after that.
Lee says this will be due to more cold air coming coming down from the Yukon, that usually brings a drier trend.
Information on current and future temperatures can be found on Environment Canada’s website here.