More heat records fall Monday on Vancouver Island

Courtenay reached 34.8 degrees Celsius Monday, breaking the previous record of 33.9 degrees in 1965. Photo courtesy Google.

The heat wave that has gripped B.C. produced a number of record highs Monday, including two on Vancouver Island that broke marks that stood for more than 50 years.

The mercury climbed to 34.8 degrees Celsius in Courtenay, nearly a full degree higher than the previous record of 33.9 degrees set in 1965.

Campbell River also saw a record high for July 30, getting up to 34.0 degrees, a tenth of a degree warmer than the previous extreme also set 53 years ago.

Comox set a new record Sunday by reaching 32.2 degrees Celsius, breaking the old mark of 32.1 degrees in 2003.

A heat warning from Environment Canada remains in effect Tuesday for east and inland Vancouver Island but has been lifted for Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands.

Environment Canada says the sizzling heat should taper off tonight with cooler marine air gradually pushing over the coast.

All of Vancouver Island and much of the province is under an air quality advisory because of wildfire smoke hanging over B.C.

Haida Gwaii and some northern sections of the province are not under the air quality alert.

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