While much of Canada is gripped by winter’s icy embrace, British Columbia is basking in record-breaking heat. According to Environment Canada, an unusual and warm air mass has settled over the province, leading to exceptionally high temperatures.
On Tuesday, 15 communities across the region shattered previous temperature records. Bella Bella, situated on the central coast, sizzled at 19.5 degrees Celsius, surpassing a record set in 1998. Meanwhile, Powell River and Tatlayoko Lake exceeded even older records dating back to 1941.
Even as the mercury dropped slightly in more southern areas, temperatures remained well above seasonal norms. West Vancouver hit a high of 15.6 degrees Celsius, breaking its previous record of 14.9 degrees set in 1993.
The warm weather even prompted Metro Vancouver to open the Grouse Grind trail temporarily on Wednesday. The trail, usually blanketed in snow at this time of year, was clear and safe for hikers due to the unseasonably warm conditions. However, the municipality plans to close the trail for maintenance in March.
Despite the pleasant hiking conditions, the lack of snow has had a negative impact on skiing and snowboarding activities at the mountain. Only a fraction of the runs are currently open, marking one of the least snowy winters in Metro Vancouver in over four decades.
According to Environment Canada meteorologist Ken Dosanjh, while snow at sea level is still a possibility, it is not expected in the immediate forecast.