Unprecedented warmth hits British Columbia in December with record-breaking temperatures reported in 28 areas across the province on December 15. Vancouver reached a high of 15.7 degrees, shattering a 63-year-old record. Other areas like Agassiz, Gulf Islands, Kamloops, Richmond, and Victoria also experienced the warmest December 15 since the 1960s. Meanwhile, Clinton, Comox, Hope, Whistler, and White Rock saw their hottest December 15 since 1976, with some areas surpassing century-old temperature records.
The unusual heatwave, attributed to strong southerly winds bringing warm air from California, Arizona, and Mexico, is expected to give way to cooler temperatures by mid-week. Meteorologists predict a return to winter weather patterns with potential snowfall in mountain passes and ski hills. While a white Christmas in the Lower Mainland is uncertain, the upcoming days may bring colder conditions closer to freezing levels.