Canada notches its first 40°C reading this year as heat climbs in B.C.

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The country's streak of temperatures staying below the 40-degree mark has finally ended.

A formidable ridge over Western Canada has allowed the B.C. community of Lytton to achieve the country's first 40°C reading in 2023, reaching a high of 41.5°C on Monday.

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Tuesday

On Monday, we had our first 40°C reading in Canada this year in Lytton, where the temperature hit a sizzling 41.5°C. The previous record was held by Etzicom, Alta., where the mercury reached 39.8°C, which Lytton tied on Sunday.

Temperatures were 8-10 degrees cooler near the coast, but it was still feeling quite muggy with some excess Pacific moisture lingering around.

This setup is a tradeoff between simmering mugginess and searing heat. Folks along the immediate coast will have cooler temperatures but higher humidity, while communities farther inland will see hotter but less-muggy conditions.

Temperatures will be similar on Tuesday to the conditions faced Monday, making for uncomfortable, and even dangerous heat for some. If you’re inclined to get some relief, head down to the beaches to get a cooler breeze.

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Stay safe in the heat

Hot temperatures are the most dangerous weather you’re likely to face during the summer months. It’s a silent hazard that can sneak up on even the fittest individuals.

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Use caution if you have to spend extended periods of time outdoors during the day. Stay aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, staying hydrated and taking frequent cooling breaks to prevent illness. Humidity will make it harder for the body to cool off during the heat of the day, and the muggy air will subdue any relief overnight.

WATCH: How extreme heat affects our body's ability to cool down

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Cooling long-range pattern

Temperatures will gradually cool a bit throughout the course of the week as a stronger onshore flow develops and the ridge flattens a bit. By this weekend, temperatures will be back closer to seasonal, with more cloud-cover and the return of some showers possible for the second half of August.

Thumbnail courtesy of Getty Images.Stay with The Weather Network for the latest on conditions across British Columbia.