Lytton, British Columbia, has recorded the highest temperature in Canada for 2025 amid a significant heat wave affecting much of the province. On Monday, the temperature reached 41.3 degrees Celsius in the Fraser Canyon community, according to Environment Canada.

This temperature not only marks a national high for the year but also sets a new daily maximum record for August 25, surpassing the previous record of 37.2 degrees Celsius established in 1934. Lytton was one of 16 locations in British Columbia that broke daily maximum temperature records on the same day. Other areas that set new records include Whistler, Pemberton, Kamloops, Kelowna, and Cache Creek.

Cache Creek recorded a high of 38.8 degrees Celsius, breaking its previous record of 37.1 degrees Celsius from 2022. Lillooet also saw a new record with a temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius, exceeding the 37.3 degrees Celsius record set in the same year.

Environment Canada has issued heat warnings for several regions, including the Fraser Canyon and southern parts of the Thompson and Okanagan areas. Forecasts predict daily highs between 35 and 39 degrees Celsius until the end of the week.

Matt Loney, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, indicated that the heat is expected to subside on Friday as cooler marine air moves in from the coast. However, he noted that the first week of September may still be hotter than usual.

A heat warning is also in effect for inland sections of the north and central coasts, while a special weather statement regarding heat covers much of Vancouver Island. Loney explained that a ridge of high pressure has contributed to the late-season heat in British Columbia, which may hinder the arrival of cooler weather.

"It’s going to be kind of a standoff," Loney said. "The computer models are suggesting that the upper ridge might win out and actually be able to stall the upper low and even send it back retrograding westward."

Despite the current heat, Loney mentioned that temperatures generally trend downward as fall approaches. He added, "Generally speaking, they’re on their downward trend. But as we’ve seen, you can still hit 40 degrees this late in the year."

Lytton has previously recorded temperatures as high as 41 degrees Celsius as late as August 30. In 2021, the village set the record for Canada’s hottest temperature at 49.6 degrees Celsius, which was followed by a devastating wildfire that destroyed much of the community.

Currently, the number of wildfires in British Columbia remains steady at around 70. The BC Wildfire Service has warned that the hot and dry conditions increase the risk of wildfires. Seven fires are classified as burning out of control, including the Sailor Bar fire in the Fraser Canyon, which has been mapped at 111 hectares.

Evacuation alerts are in effect for the Yale and Spuzzum areas due to the ongoing fire situation.