Smoke and heat warnings cover much of B.C. as Lytton reaches 40 degrees

VANCOUVER — Environment Canada has issued dozens of warnings about heat and poor air quality for much of B.C. as sweltering temperatures aggravate the wildfire situation in the province.

The agency says Lytton in the Fraser Canyon reported the province’s highest temperature of 40.5 degrees, although it wasn’t a daily record, unlike in Cache Creek where it reached 39.1 Celsius, breaking the 37.8 mark set two years ago.

Heat warnings cover about two-thirds of the province, including Metro Vancouver, and the high temperatures aren’t expected to cool off much at night with no relief until at least Thursday.

Wildfire smoke also blankets the province, causing poor air quality and reduced visibility, and Environment Canada says that will persist for at least the next 24 to 48 hours.