Three cities in the Thompson-Okanagan had their second hottest July on record, according to Environment Canada.
Meteorologist Matt Loney says the month was extremely hot and dry across the province, in particular in Kelowna, Kamloops and Penticton.
"Temperatures were well above normal by generally two to three degrees celsius over the month and much drier than normal."
"Depending on where you look, we had 8 to 20 millimetres of rain, which is quite minimal. It didn't quite reach the driest month, but it is drier than normal for sure," Loney said.
Kelowna experienced its second hottest July on record with an average temperature of 24.6 C, compared to the normal of 21.7 C.
Kamloops also recorded its second hottest July, with the mean temperature hitting 24.8 C, compared to the typical mean temperature of 21.5 C.
Penticton hit 24.1 C, ranking its second warmest July on record.
August is also expected to be hot.
"In the short term, we have heat warnings with temperatures in the mid-30s. The overnight low temperatures are going to be a fair bit above normal, which partly makes the heat warning criteria the way it is," Loney added.
Overnight lows are expected to be anywhere from 15 C to 18 C.
Local smoke is expected to hover across the valley through next week as winds blow in from the northern region of B.C.
