Expect clear skies and well above normal temps throughout Nanaimo come the weekend thanks to a strong high pressure ridge. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

heat wave

‘We might be breaking records:’ pre-summer scorcher forecast for Nanaimo

May 8, 2023 | 4:36 PM

NANAIMO — Break out the sunscreen and summer gear, the region is bracing for the first real heat wave of the year.

Environment Canada’s long-term forecast is calling for daytime highs upwards of 27 degrees for the Nanaimo area come the end of the week, and a mix of sun and cloud going into the weekend.

Meteorologist Bobby Sekhon told NanaimoNewsNOW a very strong high-pressure ridge is due to park over the Interior of B.C. and spin warm air throughout the region.

“That’s going to bring some of the hottest weather of the year so far for Vancouver Island, we’ll see temperatures up into the upper 20’s and perhaps even touching 30 in some places further inland.”

Average daytime highs for mid-May are around 17 degrees, meaning forecasts are calling for temperatures 10-15 degrees above normal.

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“This level of heat is going to be a bit abnormal,” Sekhon added. “We normally do get some hot weather, it’s usually later May, but this isn’t that far off except that it is early and therefore we might be breaking records.”

The conditions however are unlikely to trigger a heat warning, with strict criteria set out.

Environment Canada says a heat warning is issued when two consecutive days reach at least 29 degrees coupled with overnight lows of 16 or more.

What is of concern however is ongoing flooding through B.C.’s central and southern interior.

Increased temperatures will speed up snowmelt to further swell rivers, compounding existing flood issues in communities like Grand Forks and Cache Creek where levels began to recede over the weekend.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre currently lists no high stream flow advisories, flood watches or warnings for anywhere on Vancouver Island, however several exist through the Interior.

High temperatures will also likely expedite a drying trend heading into summer for the backcountry.

The Coastal Fire Centre lists only one fire on Vancouver Island as of Monday, May 8, a small start-up at Robertson River, west of Duncan.

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