Environment Canada issues heat warnings, says record-high temperatures loom for B.C.

Heat warnings cover most of British Columbia as Environment Canada warns many areas could see record-high temperatures starting Friday and continuing into next week.

The weather office says an exceptionally strong ridge of high pressure will stall over the province raising temperatures in parts of the Fraser Valley, Fraser Canyon and southern Interior to 40 C, or higher, by Sunday or Monday.

Elsewhere, the mercury will nudge the high 30s and forecasters say humidity will make conditions feel even hotter.

Sweltering heat is expected to continue through Tuesday for most of B.C., but forecasters say inland sections of the north and central coasts won't see any relief until next Thursday.

Environment Canada warns the unseasonable temperatures will likely cause other weather-related problems. It says expected record highs will raise river levels due to glacier melt, increase the risk of wildfires as forests dry out and boost the potential for illnesses linked to heat or air quality as the high pressure lid traps stagnant air over much of B.C.