Five communities in British Columbia's Interior set or matched heat records on Wednesday, May 29, 2026, as a warm spell gripped the region. The affected areas include Kelowna, Kamloops, Vernon, Penticton, and Cranbrook, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Record Temperatures
Kelowna tied its previous record of 33.2 degrees Celsius set in 1998, while Kamloops reached 35.1 C, surpassing the old mark of 33.9 C from 2003. Vernon hit 32.8 C, breaking the 2003 record of 31.7 C. Penticton recorded 33.5 C, exceeding the 1998 record of 32.2 C, and Cranbrook reached 32.4 C, topping the 1998 record of 30.6 C.
Heat Warning in Effect
Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for parts of the Southern Interior, including the Okanagan Valley, where temperatures are expected to remain above seasonal norms for the next several days. Residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat, and check on vulnerable individuals.
The warm weather is attributed to a strong ridge of high pressure over the region, which is expected to persist into the weekend. Cooler temperatures are forecast to arrive early next week.
