This week’s heat wave is proving to be not just a hot one, but a record-breaking one.
The mercury hit 29.5 C on both Tuesday and Wednesday in Smithers, breaking previous records of 26.7 C from May 16, 2006 and 27.4 C from May 17, 1984.
There is some relief in sight. Temperatures should drop a couple of degrees over the long weekend.
However, a special air quality statement remains in effect.
Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility.
Meanwhile, the Skeena watershed, including the Bulkley River, is currently under a flood warning — although water levels in both the Bulkley and Skeena may have peaked — as unseasonably high temperatures have accelerated the spring melt.
The Bulkley River exceeded flood levels as of Tuesday and was expected to a reach 10-year high today.
Low-lying areas have already seen the Bulkley overflow its banks and a hazard notice from the Town of Smithers, Village of Telkwa and Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako is still in effect recommending people “exercise extreme caution or limit recreation near and around the river…”
Sandbags are available through the town, village and regional district.