B.C. weather: ‘Long-term’ heatwave in the forecast [Video]

British Columbians should begin bracing for a stretch of hot weather starting late this week, with temperatures expected to climb up to 10 C above seasonal averages, according to a meteorologist with Environment Canada.

Chris Doyle, with the weather agency, says the incoming heat wave is expected to start Friday and to persist into the following week.

“It’s notable because it’s going to be a long period of elevated temperatures,” he tells CTV News. “We are going to be in a bonafide long-term warm period.”

In terms of just how hot it’s going to get, the forecast varies by region. Daytime temperatures are expected to be between four and eight degrees above average on the South Coast, meaning temperatures will range from the mid-20s C to around 30 C. In the Interior, daytime temperatures between five and 10 degrees above average could mean highs of up to 40 C by …