Heat eases in parts of B.C., persists in Interior, as more temperature records fall

Environment Canada has lifted special weather statements about a record-breaking hot spell for much of B.C., including in Metro Vancouver and Victoria.

But it says the "early season heat event" will persist until Thursday in the southwestern Interior and western Kootenay regions, with temperatures there in the low to mid-30s.

In the North Thompson and 100 Mile House, the weather office says hot conditions will likely last even longer, with a "gradual cooling trend" expected to come later in the week.

Lightning is in the forecast for several parts of the Interior for Wednesday and Thursday. 

Five more daily temperature records were broken Tuesday and, for the fourth day in a row, B.C. was the hottest spot in Canada, with Lytton hitting 36.2 C.

Locations that unseated previous temperature records on Tuesday included Castlegar, Cranbrook, Nelson, Sparwood and Trail, after 27 records were broken on Sunday and Monday. 

Meanwhile, there are 94 wildfires burning across British Columbia, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service, half of which are considered out of control.

Wildfire officials are concerned about new wildfire starts, particularly in hot, dry areas like Kamloops where lightning is in the forecast in the coming days. Of the wildfires burning in B.C. Wednesday, 68 were started by lightning, according to the wildfire service.