Hot, dry pattern over Western Canada could increase wildfire risk
A ridge of high-pressure will dominate British Columbia over the weekend before hunkering down over the Prairies next week.
As we continue to ride out the 2024 wildfire season, this dry pattern does bring its share of concerns. While the rain from the past few days likely helped dampen the fire-prone region, the oncoming dry pattern will likely increase the fire danger rating across the region.
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Friday and Saturday: British Columbia feels the heat
The ridge of high-pressure will first stop over B.C. on Friday and linger through Saturday, giving people a weekend of sunshine and warmth.
Temperatures will begin to rise on Friday, with the coast reaching the mid-20s and temperatures getting warmer from there. Slightly inland from the coast, such as around metro Vancouver, folks could see their thermometers reach close to 30°C. In the Interior, the thermometer will be hitting that sweltering 30°C mark with no coast to stave off the heat.
While the Prairies won't be getting the brunt of the heat on Friday, they'll still feel the dry effects of the ridge as it inches eastward.
Sunday through Thursday: Temperatures increase on the Prairies while dry pattern persists
As this ridge meanders over the Prairies, temperatures will gradually become warmer and the Sun will continue to blaze the ground surface.
Alberta will feel the peak of this heat through Tuesday and Wednesday, with temperatures climbing into the mid- to high-20s, but don't be surprised if the thermometer reaches the 30-degree mark. As the system continues its way east on Wednesday, temperatures will begin to drop back to the low-20s in Calgary and Edmonton.
The system will heat up Saskatchewan and Manitoba into Thursday, also raising temperatures to the mid- to high-20s. Regina is expected to reach a high of 28°C by Wednesday afternoon, before an unsettled pattern makes its way over the region late in the week.
This comes at an inopportune time for Calgarians, as parts of the city of Calgary has recently been placed under a water advisory after a water main broke Wednesday evening. The city has also enacted an outdoor water use ban, meaning residents won't be able to give their parched lawns and plants a drink as the temperatures rise and the dry weather sets in.
Increased wildfire risk
The recent rainy pattern has helped reduced the wildfire risk across northern portions of the Prairies and throughout B.C.
As of Thursday, June 6, however, the fire danger rating remains between high and extreme across southern portions of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
As the dry pattern and high temperatures persist, the fire danger rating is likely to increase throughout Western Canada.
Stay with The Weather Network for more forecast information and updates on your weather across Western Canada.
