Cranbrook is breaking temperatures records as a heat wave scorches the region this week.

Records were smashed on Monday and Tuesday, based on readings from Environment Canada weather stations at the Canadian Rockies International Airport.

Monday’s (Aug. 14) temperature reached a scorching 36.3 degrees C, breaking a record set in 1994 that was previously set at 35.9 degrees C.

Another record was set the following day on Tuesday (Aug. 15), as temperatures reached 38.2 degrees C, smashing the previous record set over 100 years ago in 1920, at 35 degrees C.

More records could be broken over the coming days.

According to Environment Canada’s forecast, Cranbrook will hit a high of 37 degrees C on Thursday, Aug. 17.

Elsewhere in the Kootenays, Castlegar and Nelson are expected to hit a high of 39 degrees C this week, while Invermere up the Columbia Valley will also hit 37 degrees C.

Environment Canada has temeperature records in the area dating back to 1901.

In Cranbrook, both the Cranbrook Public Library and Western Financial Place will serve as cooling stations during the day, while the Rotary Park and Mountainview spray parks will also be in operation.

trevor.crawley@cranbrooktownsman.com

Sign up for the Cranbrook Townsman’s newsletter here to have local stories delivered straight to your inbox every morning.