Heat warnings in effect for much of southern B.C.

Heat warnings in effect for much of southern B.C.

Highest temperature in Canada on Monday recorded in Lytton at 36.3 C

Heat warnings in British Columbia have expanded to much of the southern and coastal inland of the province, after several daily records fell.

Environment Canada says heat warnings that now cover much of the east coast of Vancouver Island, Whistler and the Fraser Valley are expected to last until Wednesday, while warnings for the Interior could last until Thursday.

Temperatures in coastal areas are expected to surpass 30 C, while the southern Interior and Fraser Valley can expect temperatures into the mid-30s.

Evacuation orders issued for Pear Lake Wildfire

The current wave of high temperatures led to four daily records being reached or breached on Monday, in Kitimat, Dease Lake, Sechelt and Squamish, where the temperature of 34.6 C surpassed a mark set in 1990.

Monday's highest temperature in Canada was 36.3 C in Lytton.

B.C. Hydro has said summer power consumption in the province may reach all-time highs this week as heat pushes people to use air conditioners in a bid to cool down.