Prince Rupert, B.C., was the hottest city in Canada, at least for the day.
At 1 p.m. Environment Canada reported that the weather station at Bonilla Island, near Banks Island, was the hottest spot in the country at 18°C. Prince Rupert’s weather station near the airport recorded a high of 10°C steady from 1-3 p.m.
But the weather station at city hall reported a high of 21°C at 2 p.m.
At 4 p.m. a weather station at Holland Rock, near Port Edward, claimed Canada’s hot spot at 15.4°C. To put this in perspective, the coldest spot in B.C. was -14.1°C at the Fort Nelson Airport, and the chilliest point in Canada was -35.5°C in Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut.
The day was not wasted in Prince Rupert — which typically experiences highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C this time of year — Mariners Park was packed full of families and residents enjoying the sun.
“When I looked at the temperature I couldn’t pass it up,” J.R. Reyes said, who was relaxing by a picnic table at the park.
Our instruments measured #PrinceRupert air temperature at a little over 13 degrees C yesterday, highest in 30-days. Interesting to note that the water temperature was less than 6 degrees C, lowest in 30 days. More @rupertport data here: https://t.co/wWnnKole6Y #knowtheocean pic.twitter.com/qZeyW1UsTk
— Ocean Networks 🇨🇦 (@Ocean_Networks) January 15, 2018
“I thought let’s not waste this sun,” Jane Hidalgo said in agreement.
The unseasonably warm weather is expected to hold until Friday when temperatures drop below 4°C and snow, or rain, may sprinkle the city.
Environment Canada has issued a wind warning for the coastal region overnight. Winds are expected to reach 90km/h overnight with the combination of an arctic ridge over the Interior and an intense Pacific frontal system offshore.