Heat and dry conditions expected in Western Canada, increased wildfire risk
The hot and dry conditions renew in Western Canada through the weekend, fuelling wildfire risk across the region
The brief reprieve from hot and dry weather across Western Canada has come to an end.
British Columbia and Alberta both experienced sweltering temperatures in July, with cities like Edmonton and Calgary seeing their warmest July on record. As a result, wildfire activity exploded in both provinces, causing destruction in Jasper, Alta. and hundreds of fires to spark in B.C. last month.
Both provinces did see a bit of a reprieve from the hot weather and even some light rain, which helped wildfires remain stable and slow the spread. However, that all changed once again on Thursday as temperatures ramped up and will continue to persist throughout the weekend.
Active wildfires, reinvigorated by the dry conditions were quite visible on satellite late Thursday.
Currently, there are over 300 wildfires burning in B.C., with 121 of them deemed out of control. In Alberta, there are 114 active wildfires burning.
CANADA'S WILDFIRES: Visit The Weather Network's wildfire hub to keep up with the latest on the active wildfire season across Canada
Through the weekend: Rain on the way?
In addition to the heat, there is a small chance for some isolated thunderstorms to develop in parts of southern B.C. and southern Alberta. There will not be a lot of moisture with these storms, dry lightning will be a major threat due to the dry conditions and extreme wildfire danger. There is some risk that new fires could spark over the weekend if lightning strikes in a dry region.
High temperatures will continue for much of southern B.C. and the southern Prairies. Kelowna and Kamloops will see temperatures in the mid 30s while Medicine Hat will see temperatures in the mid to upper 20s.
Luckily, the northern Prairies will see cooler temperatures, closer to the mid 20s.
There is a weak system moving into Alberta that is forecast to bring some rain late Sunday into Monday. Although any rain is good news, this system will not bring heavy or extensive downpours to the region.
Regardless, the rain will help bring some relief and reduce the wildfire danger, helping to reduce the spread of the flames. Unfortunately, the rain will not make its way through B.C. so the wildfire danger will remain extreme in the coming days.
Thumbnail image courtesy of B.C. Wildfire Service/X.
Stay tuned to The Weather Network for more forecast updates across Western Canada.