Temperatures to soar above 30 C in parts of BC this weekend

Time to bust out the sunscreen and a wide-brim hat.

Temperatures are expected to soar across the province in coming days, reaching above 30 C in some parts of the Interior.

Environment Canada is forecasting sunny days and warmer nights through Monday, when things are expected to cloud over and cool off.

A high of 32 C is forecast for Kamloops on Saturday, which is about 12 C above normal and would break a daily heat record stretching back to 1971.

Communities including Kelowna, Penticton, Clearwater, Lillooet and Cache Creek could also see highs above 30 C.

Prince George is looking at highs of 26 C on Friday, more than 10 C above the seasonal average, according to Environment Canada.

It’ll be cooler on the South Coast, with temperatures of 21 C forecast for Vancouver on Saturday, climbing to 27 C further inland.

The spike in temperatures comes as many parts of the province continue to deal with drought conditions, which forecasters worry could contribute to a long, challenging wildfire season.

Fire bans are in effect for much of the province.

On Thursday, the province will share a seasonal emergency preparedness update, and the BC River Forecast Center is scheduled to release its latest snowpack information.