British Columbia heat wave shatters decades‑old temperature records

A mini heat wave swept British Columbia on June 22‑24, 2026, producing a string of daily temperature records, many dating back 90‑100 years. In Nanaimo the thermometer rose to 32.2 °C, breaking the 1992 high of 31.1 °C. Victoria’s Gonzales Point recorded 30.9 °C, surpassing the 1936 record of 28.9 °C, while White Rock reached 31 °C, also eclipsing a 1936 benchmark. Squamish hit a new high of 33.1 °C, beating the 1990 record, and other communities such as Squamish, West Vancouver, Duncan, Abbotsford and several Vancouver‑Island towns posted all‑time June highs.

Environment and Climate Change Canada attributed the extreme temperatures to a persistent high‑pressure ridge over the south coast, part of a recurring “heat dome.” Forecasters expect cooler, wetter conditions later in the week, with rain and cloud cover projected from Thursday onward, providing relief after the heat spell.

The record‑breaking run follows the fifth anniversary of the 2021 heat dome and highlights the growing frequency of unusually high temperatures in the province.