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Great weather divide soaks west, scorches east Canada

It's hot out east. Some days, maybe even Vegas hot.

And by the looks of it, this week's early summer scorcher could well portend a season for the record books.

But whether you're complaining about the heat or reveling in it, it's important to remember our friends and loved ones out west. You know. The ones who have been getting a little too much usage out of their umbrellas and light jackets lately.

Temperatures across the country's west coast have been downright spring-like. Wonderful for spring, but more than a little disappointing for the end of June.

In Victoria, the barometer hasn't yet moved past 20 degrees Celsius for some time and if forecasts are correct, it doesn't look like it will next week either.

Elsewhere in the province, things are much the same. Rainy and chilly. Vancouverites looking forward to weekend plans will have to pack for showers and more showers with the slightest hint of sun (amidst the afternoon showers) on Sunday.

Compared to things in Chilliwack, B.C., however, Vancouver seems practically inviting. CBC notes that ongoing flooding in the Fraser Valley will likely hit its peak this weekend while several residents have been ordered to evacuate their homes.

[ Related: B.C. remains on flood watch as Fraser River rises ]

More than 200 homes in the danger zones of Hope, Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Langley and Barnston will likely remain under evacuation alert until the river calms down.

And what comes with heavy, unrelenting rains? Mud. Lots and lots of mud. So much mud, a 147 km section of the Trans-Canada highway between Revelstoke and Golden had to be shut down until Thursday after a large slide of the stuff hit early Wednesday morning.

But in your weather vigil for B.C., make sure you leave a little room for Manitoba. CBC also notes that residents from St. Lazare to Brandon joined their B.C. compatriots in flood watching earlier this week as rains pounded the upper Assiniboine River basin.

So as east coasters soak up the beautiful weather this weekend, make sure to send a little sunshine, even wishfully, to the Canadians who could really use some right now.

Thankfully, Environment Canada predicts a hotter, drier summer than usual from coast to coast, which means British Columbia residents will likely get to break out those shorts and swimsuits after all.