British Columbia

B.C. heat wave breaks 100-year-old temperature records this week

A preliminary report from Environment Canada shows several communities in B.C.'s Lower Mainland experienced record-high temperatures over the past two days.

Communities like Agassiz and the Victoria Harbour area broke records not seen since the 1890s

Some areas in the Lower Mainland saw 100-year-old temperature records broken over the past two days. (Gian-Paolo Mendoza/CBC)

The heat wave in B.C. this week has broken temperature records that have stood for over 100 years, according to Environment Canada.

In a preliminary report released Wednesday, the agency said a ridge of high pressure over the southern half of the province led to several days of broken maximum temperature records.

Some notable areas included Agassiz, which saw a high of 35.6 C on Aug. 2, compared to the previous record of 34.4 C in 1898.

Chilliwack saw a high of 35.6 degrees that same day, compared to a previous record of 32.8 degrees in 1927.

On the island, the Victoria Harbour area surpassed record temperatures not seen since 1891.

Environment Canada said temperatures in the Lower Mainland are expected to hit the mid-thirties throughout the rest of this week.