Some relief from B.C. heat wave in sight

There is some relief in sight for parts ofB.C. that have suffered through several days of extremely hot weather, weather forecasters say.

The heat wavehas created air-quality problems on the Lower Mainland and in the Fraser Valley, and left forests across the province tinder dry.

Kelowna and Whistler both recorded record highs over the weekend, with temperatures approaching 40 C.

While temperatures are expected to fall, there is no rain in sight, CBC News meteorologist Claire Martin said on Monday.

"That heatwave is gradually going to cool off but it is not going to get wet," she said.

The B.C. Interior will still feel theheat this week, Martin said,with highs in the mid-30s forecast through the weekend.

Air quality poor

An air quality advisoryissued last week by the Greater Vancouver Regional District remains in effect.

Air quality is expected to be fair to poorfor many regions, especially the Fraser Valley. People who are especially sensitive to air pollution have been advised to be careful.

Eighty new wildfires —mainly in the Cariboo and Kamloops areas— were reported across the province over the weekend. Sixty of them were caused by lightning.

Radha Fisher, the province'sfire information officer, said the record-breaking temperatures have "increased our danger rating," and more fires are likely.