Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Terrace and Kitimat, as the region braces for a heat wave that will persist until Monday. The provincial government has also issued a Smoky Skies Bulletin, cautioning residents that both cities “are being impacted or likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke within the next 24-48 hours.”
Daytime highs of around 29 degrees Celsius and nighttime lows of roughly 14 degrees Celsius are forecasted for the two cities over the weekend and into Monday.
“A ridge of high pressure will usher in elevated temperatures to the region,” with a shift towards “relatively cooler temperatures” starting from Tuesday, the weather agency writes on its website.
While residents deal with the heat, smoke from wildfires across the province is also engulfing the area.
“There is widespread smoke enveloping a large portion of the province today,” the provincial government writes in its bulletin. “While some of the smoke remains elevated, numerous regions are experiencing ground-level impacts.”
“Both the Southern Interior and North Coast, including the Central Interior, are subject to localized and intermittent surges of smoke,” the provincial government added. “These smoky conditions are forecasted to linger throughout the weekend.”
Given the elevated temperatures and the smoke’s presence, vulnerable populations, including young children, pregnant women, older adults, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those working or exercising outdoors, are at increased risk.
READ MORE: Drought, forecasted hot temperatures to raise wildfire risks in Terrace this summer
Environment Canada advises residents to time outdoor activities during the day’s cooler periods and not to leave anyone or pets inside parked vehicles. With the increased health and safety threats posed by the intense heat and smoke, residents are urged to adopt precautionary measures.
Today’s forecast for Terrace shows a temperature reaching a high of 28 degrees Celsius under the hazy conditions intensified by the wildfire smoke. Winds are projected to turn southward, reaching up to 20 kilometres per hour this afternoon. The humidex value is slated to be around 31 degrees Celsius, with a UV index rated as high.
Tonight, the weather is expected to remain clear yet hazy due to the smoke, with southerly winds at 20 kilometres per hour, which will decrease in intensity later. The temperature is anticipated to drop to a low of 14 degrees Celsius.
On Sunday, Environment Canada anticipates a high of 30 degrees Celsius with sunny but smoke-tainted skies. The humidex will reach 34 degrees Celsius, accompanied by a UV index rated as high. In the evening, the weather agency predicts clear skies with temperatures settling at around 14 degrees Celsius.
On Monday, the area will likely see daytime temperatures rise to 29 degrees Celsius and see abundant sunshine. By the evening, the skies are forecasted to cloud over with a 40 per cent chance of rain showers, and temperatures will dip to about 14 degrees Celsius.
Heat warnings from Environment Canada are issued in the area when daytime temperatures are expected to soar to 28 degrees Celsius or above and nighttime temperatures remain at or above 13 degrees Celsius for two or more consecutive days. A Smoky Skies Bulletin is issued when areas of the province are being impacted or have reasonable potential to be impacted by wildfire smoke within 24 to 48 hours, the provincial government writes on its website. The bulletins are based on available pollutant concentrations information, satellite information, smoke forecast models and visual observations.
Viktor Elias joined the Terrace Standard in April 2023.
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