22.5 degrees in December: Canada’s west has never been warmer

Actually, at this time of year, temperatures are measured around the freezing point in the Canadian province of British Columbia. But this week delivered a new December record: plus 22.5 degrees.

22.5 ° C plus – and that in early December. A new temperature record for British Columbia. It was measured in Penticton, a city in the center of the Canadian province. Temperatures are usually recorded around the freezing point at this time of year.

Subtropical winds from the south are responsible for the higher values, but have since decreased. Sub-zero temperatures are also expected in the region over the weekend. In November, Canada’s weather agency Environment Canada set new temperature records in 20 cities. According to a meteorologist at the agency, these extremes coincide with climate change forecasts.

Historic drought in summer

Large parts of British Columbia experienced historic droughts and severe wildfires in the summer. In Lytton, 250 kilometers northwest of Penticton, a summer fire broke out at 49.6 degrees – the highest temperature ever recorded in Canada. The city burned to the ground.

In mid-November, the province received heavy rains and devastating floods.