Five communities in northern British Columbia shattered longstanding cold temperature records on June 1, 2026, as an unseasonable cold snap gripped the region. The records, some dating back decades, were broken as temperatures plunged well below normal for this time of year.
Record-Breaking Cold
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the affected communities include Smithers, where the temperature dropped to -2.4°C, breaking the previous record of -1.1°C set in 1974. Other communities that saw new records include Dease Lake, Fort St. John, Mackenzie, and Prince George. In Prince George, the mercury fell to -1.5°C, surpassing the old record of -0.6°C from 1982.
Unseasonable Weather Pattern
The cold snap is attributed to a persistent ridge of high pressure over the Yukon and northern B.C., which has funneled Arctic air southward. Meteorologists note that while June frost is not unheard of in these areas, the intensity and breadth of the cold are unusual. The record lows come just days after many parts of the province experienced near-normal spring temperatures.
Residents in Smithers reported seeing frost on car windshields and gardens, with some covering sensitive plants to protect them from the cold. The chilly conditions are expected to persist for another day before a warming trend begins mid-week.
Environment Canada urges residents to take precautions against the cold, including bringing pets indoors and checking on vulnerable neighbors. The agency also reminds travelers that mountain passes may experience icy conditions despite the calendar date.
