Kamloops continues to bake under a powerful ridge of high pressure, with temperatures soaring near record-breaking levels and smoke from northern wildfires expected to worsen air quality in the days ahead.
Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Matt Loney says the persistent high-pressure system—after briefly weakening over the weekend—has re-established itself and is once again dominating the region’s weather.
“It’s strengthening again, and this is going to be the main factor in the weather story over the next five or so days,” Loney explained in an interview Wednesday afternoon. “We’re almost a slam dunk to beat today’s (Sept. 3) record high of 34.5°C.”
But while the heat remains the headline, smoke is quickly becoming the subtext. A thick band of wildfire smoke, visible on satellite imagery, is expected to drift into the Kamloops area overnight—blown southward from northern B.C. by a passing cold front.
That could bring noticeably hazier skies by Wednesday morning, and potentially dampen daytime highs slightly depending on the thickness of the smoke.
“You might wake up and see quite a bit more of that presence of smoke in the air,” Loney said.
Health Concerns as Air Quality Deteriorates
With an air quality statement already in effect, residents are being urged to take precautions as particulate matter (PM2.5) levels increase. These fine particles can lodge deep in the lungs and are particularly dangerous for children, the elderly, and anyone with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
“If you’re working outdoors, try to get indoors if you can,” Loney advised. “Exposure to high concentrations of smoke can be harmful, especially over longer periods.”
Ventilated spaces and indoor environments are considered the best refuge during smoky conditions.
Stubborn Smoke, Elusive Forecast
While Kamloops residents may be hoping for quick relief, forecasting smoke patterns remains a major challenge, according to Loney.
“Smoke is notoriously difficult to predict beyond 48 hours,” he said. “Right now, the atmosphere isn’t ventilating well. This ridge puts a kind of lid on things—it presses the air down, which prevents the smoke from clearing out.”
And with active fires burning across the province—and even in neighbouring Alberta, Washington, and the Northwest Territories—there’s plenty of fuel for further smoke incursions.
A potential break could come next week, when a pattern change is expected to bring an upper trough to the region. That shift could help stir the air, increase humidity, and provide some natural ventilation.
“We’re counting on that change to clean things out,” Loney said.
Historic Heat Continues
The current stretch of hot weather has already been one for the books. Since August 23, Kamloops has recorded top-five daily temperatures for 10 out of the last 11 days, including at least one new record on September 1.
“That’s an extraordinary streak,” Loney noted. “If the smoke doesn’t interfere too much, we may add to it today.”
Until then, Kamloops residents are advised to limit outdoor activity during the hottest and smokiest parts of the day—and stay informed through Environment Canada’s updates on both heat warnings and air quality advisories.
Tips to Stay Safe During Smoky Heatwaves:
- Stay indoors in a well-ventilated space.
- Use air purifiers or air conditioners on recirculate mode.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
- Check in on vulnerable individuals, such as seniors or those with chronic illnesses.
- Follow updates from Environment Canada and Interior Health.
