Esquimalt Harbour became Canada’s hottest spot on Wednesday morning, March 26, with a temperature of 11 °C recorded at 6 a.m. This makes it the warmest location in both British Columbia and the country, according to hourly updates from Environment and Climate Change Canada.
In contrast, Fort Nelson and Burns Lake airports reported the coldest temperatures in the province at -5.4 °C. Across the country, Eureka, Nunavut recorded the lowest temperature, plunging to -35.6 °C.
The early warmth in Esquimalt follows a day of record-breaking temperatures across parts of British Columbia. On Tuesday, residents in Greater Victoria enjoyed sunny skies and mild conditions, with many stepping out in shorts and T-shirts as a warm air mass moved through the region.
The Victoria International Airport in North Saanich set a new daily March record with a temperature of 16.3 °C, surpassing the previous 1992 record of 15.8 °C. Weather records in this area date back to 1914.
Other areas across B.C. also saw March records fall. White Rock reached 19.3 °C at White Rock Campbell Scientific, topping the old 1940 record of 17.2 °C. Sechelt and Gibsons, measured at Sechelt Auto, recorded 16.4 °C, exceeding the 2012 record of 15.4 °C. Smithers hit 12.9 °C, narrowly breaking the 2019 record of 12.8 °C.
Experts note that such warm spells are becoming more common as the province experiences fluctuations in spring temperatures. The combination of sunny skies and mild coastal air contributes to these unusual highs, particularly in southern B.C. communities.
Locals in Esquimalt welcomed the mild morning temperatures. Residents noted that mornings of 11 °C in late March feel almost like early summer. Meanwhile, northern parts of the province remain much colder, demonstrating the wide range of temperatures across B.C. during spring.
Environment officials continue to monitor temperature patterns closely, as such variations can affect agriculture, wildlife, and water management. Farmers and gardeners are particularly attentive to early warmth, which can influence planting schedules and crop growth.
The recent streak of warm days follows a trend of rising early spring temperatures across the Pacific Northwest. Meteorologists warn that while daily highs may feel pleasant, fluctuations between warm coastal areas and colder inland regions remain significant.
Esquimalt’s position along the southern coast contributes to its relatively mild climate. Coastal currents and proximity to the ocean often keep temperatures higher than inland locations, even during early spring mornings.
The March 25 record-breaking temperatures across B.C. highlight both the beauty and variability of spring weather in the province. Communities from White Rock to Smithers experienced the warmth differently, but all surpassed historical daily averages, offering residents a brief taste of summer weather.
As British Columbia moves deeper into spring, officials and weather enthusiasts alike will watch for more record-setting days. Esquimalt’s 11 °C morning stands out not only as a local highlight but also as a marker of changing seasonal patterns in Canada.
