High temperatures and wildfire smoke have forced Environment Canada to re-issue multiple weather alerts for the Cariboo and Northern B.C. regions.
Kamloops, Ashcroft, Lytton, and west to nearly Pemberton have been issued both a heat warning, while Clinton to 108 Mile Ranch has both a heat warning and a special air quality statement.
In those areas, temperatures are expected to reach the mid-30s during the day with an overnight low of 14 C. The warmer temperatures are expected to continue throughout Thursday.
Along the province's coast, a heat warning is also in effect for Bella Coola and north up to Terrace.
"A ridge of high pressure anchored over B.C. is bringing very high temperatures to the region," stated Environment Canada. "A gradual cooling trend is expected by the weekend."
The special air quality statement is in place for a large portion of B.C., ranging from Clinton, throughout the Cariboo region including Williams Lake, Quesnel, and Prince George, west of Anahim Lake, up to Burns Lake, and along the B.C.-Alberta border including Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, and Fort Nelson.
"Expect increasing smoke near new and active fires across the province," stated the government weather agency. "During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour."
As smoke levels increase, health risks increase, according to Environment Canada.
