Happy Friday, Squamish!
First, let's talk about yesterday's record-breaking temperatures.
According to Environment Canada, a new record looks to have been set, with the temperature hitting
33.6 C at the Squamish Airport, shattering the old record of 30.5 C, set in 1986.
Records have been kept since 1960.
These records are called preliminary until they are further verified by Environment Canada.
OK, back to today, which is set to be another hot one.
We will see a high of 32 C, dropping down to 14 C tonight.
The UV index will reach 5, or moderate
When the UV index is between 3 and 7, Environment Canada advises that you: "Take care. Wear big hats and clothes that cover your skin. Put sunscreen on skin that you can't cover."
The humidex, which is a measure of how temperature feels, will hit 35 today.
Between 20 to 29, people will feel little or no discomfort from the heat.
Between 30 to 39, individuals will feel some discomfort due to the temperature.
Looking ahead
Squamish meteorologist Jason Ross says that a strong upper ridge of high pressure, with a thermal trough along the coast, will continue to bring hot and dry conditions to the south coast. Onshore flow will kick in later this weekend into next week with cooler marine air, he said.
For Saturday's GranFondo and Brackendale Fall Fair, Environment Canada is predicting a high of 31 C, and an overnight dip to 15 C.
GranFondo traffic impacts
Adore it or dread it, the RBC GranFondo Whistler cycling event rolls up the Sea to Sky Highway tomorrow.
About 5,000 cyclists are expected to participate in the ride from Vancouver to Whistler this year, the event’s 15th anniversary.
Drivers can expect delays between West Vancouver and Whistler between 5:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Here are the ways race organizers say the event will impact traffic for us in the Sea to Sky and Squamish:
Sea to Sky Highway
- Highway 99 at Porteau Cove Provincial Park–Counter-flow traffic adjacent to cyclists in effect, with one lane northbound and one lane southbound available for motorists, leading to single-lane alternating traffic for 1.3 km from 7:15 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- Highway 99 at Furry Creek –Local Furry Creek traffic will be re-routed via internal roads to access Highway 99 northbound and southbound, from 7:15 a.m. until 11:30 a.m..
- Highway 99 at Britannia Beach–Single-lane alternating traffic will be in effect for 1 km, with no northbound right turn permitted at Main Street (Copper Drive) from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Squamish
- Highway 99–Murrin Lake Park to Squamish–Traffic signals along this section will be flashing, with traffic control persons on site.
- Highway 99 at Cleveland Avenue and Loggers Lane–Traffic signals will be flashing. No traffic access to Loggers Lane from Highway 99 at Cleveland Avenue or Industrial Way. Motorists are advised to use the Centennial Way underpass to Loggers Lane, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m..
- Highway 99–Valley Drive to Depot Road/Squamish–Traffic signals will be flashing, and traffic movements both to and from the east side of Highway 99, will be restricted and/or closed. Garibaldi Highlands traffic impacts include Scott Crescent NB (North of Clark Drive), Mamquam Road WB (West of Diamond Head Road), Garibaldi Way WB (West of Tantalus Rd), and Depot Road WB (East of Hwy 99). For all of the locations mentioned, motorists are advised of the following times:
- 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Intermittent delays
- 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Full closure of specific intersections on the east side of Highway 99
- 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Intermittent delays
- Highway 99–Alice Lake Road to Function Junction (6 km south of Whistler), motorists should expect counter-flow traffic adjacent to cyclists through this area. Cyclists will occupy the northbound slow lane. One lane northbound and one lane southbound are available for motorists. Counterflow is in effect from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Campfire bans lifted
There are currently 215 wildfires burning in B.C., as of Sept. 6, up from 213 yesterday.
As of Aug. 26, the BC Wildfire Service Coastal Fire Centre and the District of Squamish lifted their bans on Category 1 campfires in the Coastal Fire Centre area, and within the District boundaries.
Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited, including the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, binary exploding targets, burn barrels, burn cages and air curtain burners.
The following are never allowed in Squamish:
- Fires in any public space, including forests, riverbanks, mountainsides, beaches
- Open Air Burning, including but not limited to: yard waste, garden debris and construction materials
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation, call 911 if within the municipal boundaries, or, if outside the district, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
Still no kiting at oceanfront beach
In the wake of a man's death, while he was kiteboarding off of Sp'akw'us Feather Park on July 1, the District of Squamish has temporarily closed the watersports beach to kiteboarding while an investigation into the incident is underway.
"Kites are being restricted out of caution to ensure public safety. Wingfoiling and windsurfing continue to be permitted," a District release states.
Access to Pepahím̓ (Spit Island) for kiteboarding is available through a shuttle operated by the Squamish Windsports Society.
Shuttles take place daily between noon and 7 p.m., with access to the shuttle launch a short walk from the Sp’akw’us Feather parking lot.
Visit squamishwindsports.com for more information and current weather conditions.
The Squamish Windsports Society kiting season ends Sept. 15.
Sunrise & sunset
Sunrise on Sept. 6 is at 6:37 a.m. Sunset today will be at 7:44 p.m.
Moon phase
The moon is in its waxing crescent, phase.
"A waxing crescent Moon is the first lunar phase after the New Moon. From the northern hemisphere, this moon phase appears as a small sliver on the right side. This phase appears opposite in the southern hemisphere, where a waxing crescent appears on the left side of the moon," according to Study.com.
The moon's illumination is currently 10.5%, meaning that is the percentage of the moon illuminated by the sun, according to phasesmoon.com.
The moon is currently 3.1 days old.
The moon is currently located in the constellation of Pisces.
Moonrise is at 10:26 a.m.; moonset is at 8:47 p.m.
The next full moon will be on Sept. 17, at 7:21 p.m.
Tides
The next high tide today is at 8:19 a.m. (Height: 3.87 metres); the next low tide is at 2:06 p.m. (2.33 m), according to the site tides.today.
The final high tide today is at 8:13 p.m. (4.31m).
Seawater temp
The current surface water temperature in Howe Sound on Sept. 6, measured at Halibut Bank (49.34N 123.72W), is 19 C, according to this Government of Canada site.
Events to note
There's always something going on in this town. Here are some events that stood out to us:
•Tonight, Rock 'n' Roll Night at Trickster's Hideout, at 38005 Cleveland Avenue, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
"Hailing from Vancouver, B.C., this 4-piece group brings a mash-up of rock ‘n’ roll sounds from the 60s to the early 2000s, all twisted together with a modern flare. Their music features driven guitar rhythms, swelling leads, groovy drum beats, phat bass lines, and emphatic vocals that you’re sure to dig!" reads the listing.
•Also tonight, The Wells play The Tragically Hip and Tom Petty at the BAG, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. The BAG is located at 41950 Government Road.
"The boys from The Wells have really enjoyed the years since joining up in 2017. Fate brought this band together and they have never looked back. As a local cover band, they have had the distinguished honour of playing a range of gigs from weddings to cafés and everything inbetween," reads the listing.
•Sept. 7, is Board Game Meetup at Arrow Wood Games, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The store is located at 38157 2 Avenue.
"Attendees will enjoy a fun-filled evening at the Board Game Meet-up, where new friendships and good times are guaranteed. It’s a perfect opportunity for those looking to expand their social circle, discover new games, or simply enjoy a relaxed evening with like-minded people," reads the listing.
•Also Sept. 7, COUNTRY NIGHT with The Unbranded rides into Trickster's Hideout, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
"Country Night! Dust off your cowboy boots and join us for an evening filled with great music, dancing, and the mechanical bull," reads the listing.
•Sept. 13 is Warhammer Game Night at Arrow Wood Games, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
"The local Warhammer community is hosting a Kill Team League, but all players are invited to come and enjoy other games like Warcry or Necromunda. Whether you're here for the league or just to chat and play casually, this welcoming group is excited to grow the community," reads the listing.
There are many more events coming up; go to our online events calendar to see them all!
Want a possible shout-out in our daily report? Load your event into our free calendar, by clicking "create an event."
Gas prices
Regular gas in Squamish is going for 171.9 cents per litre today at the Squamish Valley Gas Bar at 9001 Valley Dr.
Gas in Whistler is going for 172.9/L at the Co-op at 2101 Lake Placid Rd.
In Pemberton, petrol is at the pump for 171.9/L at AC Gas at 7432 Prospect St.
The least expensive gas we could find today in B.C. was again in Dewdney, where you can fill up for 153.9/L, at the CENTEX at 36671 Lougheed Hwy, according to GasBuddy.
