Merritt sets new temperature record on May 3

If it seemed warmer than usual on Sunday, May 3; that’s because it was, according to Environment Canada.

The weather agency reports that the City of Merritt was one of 24 communities in the province to break temperature records, with many in excess of 30 C.

While Merritt did not exceed the 30 C mark, it did reach 28.5 C, breaking the old mark of 28.2 C set in 2016.

Environment Canada says among the highest temperatures in the province were reported in Pemberton spiking at 32 C on Sunday, erasing the previous high set nearly 70 years ago.

Other hot spots, including Osoyoos, Lillooet and Cache Creek, also saw temperatures push past 30 C on Sunday.

The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) warns that much of B.C. has been experiencing hot, dry, and sunny conditions over the past several days, drying out vegetation across the province. Winds are expected to increase tomorrow (May 5) through the north and parts of central B.C., and across most areas Wednesday – meaning that if a wildfire starts, it could grow quickly.

As of noon on May 4, there are 30 active wildfires burning in the province, with three deemed out of control.  Of the 30 wildfires currently active 25 (83 percent) are reported as being human caused.