Environment Canada

A blistering heat wave seemed poised to set new temperature records in parts of Quebec on Sunday, August 22, 2021, prompting both the national weather agency and the province's premier to issue warnings about the effects of scorching conditions.

Two wildfires fanned by gusty winds roared through British Columbia's southern Interior leaving behind a trail of destroyed properties, says a spokeswoman for the area's regional district.

Heat warnings and special weather statements cover most of southern British Columbia as temperatures are forecast to soar through the weekend, magnifying anxiety about wildfire risk.

British Columbia is reporting a slight increase in the number of active wildfires but cooler temperatures and forecasts of rain could bring some relief.

The British Columbia government is encouraging people to take precautions as Environment Canada forecasts the return of unseasonably hot temperatures.

A combination of intense heat and drought conditions is causing wildfires in Western Canada to generate their own weather systems, experts say.

Researchers in Quebec have developed a new warning system for heat waves that they say is more precise and better adapted to climate change.

A lack of resources is forcing officials in British Columbia to triage the wildfire fight to focus on the blazes that threaten lives and safety.

More than 1,400 properties in British Columbia's Cariboo region have been placed on evacuation order as wildfires rage across the province.

The recent heat dome, forest fires, and now drought threaten the ecosystems and watersheds that wild salmon need to survive, says Jason Hwang of the Pacific Salmon Foundation.

The BC Wildfire Service says flames in the hills on the southeast side of Skaha Lake, east of Okanagan Falls, were reported Sunday and had charred an estimated five square kilometres of the rural area within hours.

A statement issued by the wildfire-ravaged Village of Lytton describes how little time residents had to flee and underscores the extreme challenges ahead as the Fraser Canyon community looks to rebuild.

Severe thunderstorms are forecast for several areas in British Columbia's southern Interior, adding to the fire danger in the province.

Emergency response staff who are charged with supporting residents threatened by some of British Columbia's largest wildfires paused for a breath on Monday, July 5, 2021, following several turbulent days.

A stifling heat wave throughout much of Western Canada is unusual because of the nighttime temperatures it is bringing, says an expert.