Crews will begin construction in Marysville's Industrial Park this week.

Kimberley officials said the project will enhance infrastructure along 315th Avenue from Bootleg Gap Golf Course to the 300-block cul-de-sac.

You can expect some disruptions in the area while work is going on.

"Please pay attention to signage and detours and respect crews on site. Emergency access for police, fire, and medical response will be maintained at all times," said city staff. "Bootleg Gap Golf Course access will also be maintained for the project's duration."

City officials said the construction project is mostly funded through the province’s Regional Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program, with  $1 million coming from the B.C. government and Kimberley's Land Development Reserve covering the remaining $297,000.

The project includes upgrades to water and sewer mains that service Marysville's industrial land.

"It will result in enhanced business development opportunities in the park," said city officials. "The City of Kimberley thanks residents for their cooperation and patience during this construction."

[caption id="attachment_34588" align="alignnone" width="1123"] (Supplied by the City of Kimberley)[/caption]

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Recent warm weather is to blame for Cranbrook and Kimberley's outdoor rink closures.

City of Cranbrook officials said the skating area on Idlewild Lake will be closed to all public access.

"The safety of the public and our user groups is paramount, as the risk of falling through the ice is quite high," said city staff.

Meanwhile, the City of Kimberley is also asking residents to stay off the ice for now.

"Love it or hate it, these temperatures are wreaking havoc on our outdoor rinks," said city officials. "We’ve closed them for the time being in order to be able to recover more quickly once temps cool down again."

Environment Canada officials said daytime temperatures will likely stay in the low positives until late next week.

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Environment Canada has issued a winter storm and snowfall warning in the East Kootenay alongside a special weather statement for the Columbia Valley.

The forecaster said the winter storm warning comes as the Elk Valley is expected to get hit hard by heavy snowfall from Tuesday night to Wednesday.

Environment Canada officials expect anywhere from 15 to 25 centimetres of snow to blanket the region, with the Fernie area bearing the brunt of the storm.

"Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow," said Environment Canada.

Meanwhile, the southern part of the region is under a snowfall warning, with 15 to 20 centimetres to fall on the Cranbrook and South Country area.

The Columbia Valley will fare a little better, as a special weather statement is in place for prolonged snowfall.

The Columbia Valley will have up to 15 centimetres of snow by Wednesday night.

The weather system follows extremely cold weather that swept through the region from Friday to Monday.

"A cold front will combine with a Pacific low-pressure system and bring snow, heavy at times into southern B.C.," said Environment Canada officials. "Snow will start tonight [Tuesday] and become heavy overnight."

Environment Canada officials expect the snow to ease off by Wednesday night, followed by a warming trend into the weekend.

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Warmer weather may finally be coming to the region, but heavy snow may also be coming.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the region.

An arctic front will begin to sweep across the province from north to south at the same time as a Pacific low-pressure system approaches the coast from the west.

As the two systems collide, heavy snow is expected on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Snowfall warnings are likely to be issued for parts of the region.

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A pair of vehicle accidents has reduced traffic along Highway 3 in two places on Thursday.

A section of highway is open to single-lane traffic near Caldwell Street, just east of Fernie after an accident around noon.

Meanwhile Highway 3 near Mills Road, outside of Cranbrook is also open to a single lane after a separate accident earlier this afternoon.

There is no word yet on any injuries.

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Highway 3 between Fernie and the B.C./Alberta border is under a travel advisory because of Thursday's weather.

The Elk Valley is under a snowfall warning, and Drive BC officials said road conditions are rapidly deteriorating through the area.

Highway 3 was closed briefly on Thursday afternoon due to a vehicle accident between Hosmer and Sparwood.

Drivers are encouraged to check weather conditions and use caution when travelling.

More: Drive BC Map

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The Elk Valley's rain warning has ended only to be replaced with a snowfall warning.

Environment Canada issued the updated alert on Thursday as temperatures drop and the heavy precipitation changes to snow.

Officials said this comes in the wake of a cold front sweeping through the region.

The Fernie and Morrisey area can expect about 15 cm of snow today before it eases off in the evening.

Environment Canada officials said temperatures in the Elk Valley will reach a high of plus one on Thursday, before falling to an overnight low of -2.

Temperatures are expected to hover between the low positives and negatives over the coming days.

This will likely create slippery sections and winter driving conditions along local roadways, so drivers are encouraged to use caution.

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Persistent hot and dry weather in the East Kootenay has led to worsening drought conditions in the region.

B.C. government officials updated the Drought Information Map and upped the East Kootenay to Drought Level 5.

This is the highest level on the scale and officials said it means adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values are almost certain.

"Drought can lead to reduced water availability for household and business use. Lower streamflows may cause warmer river temperatures, affecting fish and other aquatic life," said B.C. government officials. "Low streamflows can also have an impact on groundwater levels."

This can also impact food production across the province.

"Drought can reduce crop growth and quality, leading to smaller harvests," said the province. "Hotter temperatures that often occur alongside drought may lead to early crop maturity or ripening. Less water may be available for irrigation and for animal care, and livestock production suffers and pests increase."

22 water basins across the province are under Drought Level 5 as of Aug. 25.

B.C. government officials said everyone in the province is responsible for helping protect water supplies, especially during a drought.

"Water conservation is critical in summer months but year-round water conservation has significant benefits as well," said the province. "Reducing water consumption decreases the amount of water that requires treatment, as well as sewage and infrastructure costs."

The province has some tips to help you conserve water at home:

• Indoors
  • Try to keep showers limited to five minutes or less.
  • Fill the sink with water if you're washing the dishes by hand, rather than letting the water run.
  • Keep a cool jug of water in the fridge rather than relying on the tap for drinking water.
  • Turn off the water while you shave or brush your teeth.
  • Regularly check your home for leaks. Provincial officials said unchecked leaks can waste many litres of water each year.
  • Run only full loads of laundry and dishes.
• Outdoors
  • Water lawns sparingly. Officials said lawns only need about one inch of water per week.
  • Water in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
  • Clean your driveway with a broom rather than a hose.
  • Check for leaks in outdoor pipes, faucets and hoses.
  • Use drought-resistant plants in landscaping.
  • Use a rain barrel to collect water for outdoor plants.
  • Consider a water-saving pool filter if you have a swimming pool.

More resources can be found below.

More: Water conservation tips (BC government)

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Hot and dry weather combined with high winds and lightning led to more intense wildfire conditions across the southeast part province this week.

BC Wildfire Service officials said they expect increased fire behaviour in the coming days.

"Crews will be prioritizing the safety of responders and the public during expected challenging weather," said BCWS officials. "Initial attack crews continue to be successful suppressing new fire starts and are playing a vital role in reducing risks posed by wildfire across the region. Initial attack success also means resources can remain committed to large fires burning in the Southeast."

Officials said the Lladnar Creek and Mount Bingay wildfires in the Elk Valley are now being managed as the Elk Valley Complex.

As of Friday afternoon, the Mount Bingay wildfire is just over 1,000 hectares.

"The fire grew to the east during strong winds yesterday afternoon, crossing the Elk River and spreading up slope. Since growth during the peak burning period on Thursday, there was limited fire growth observed overnight into this morning," said BCWS officials. "Any growth has been primarily north and east, away from populated areas."

Meanwhile, the Lladnar Creek wildfire is 1,246 hectares in size.

"As elevated winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures are expected to continue today, fire behaviour is expected to become more visible to the surrounding areas, primarily in upper elevations on the north as winds are forecast to be higher at elevation than valley bottom," said the BCWS.

North of there, the Horsethief Creek wildfire has grown to 3,918 hectares.

"Hot, dry winds will result in vigorous fire behaviour overnight [Friday] and throughout tomorrow [Saturday]," said the BCWS. "Preparation has begun for defensive operations around Panorama if required."

Crews are monitoring the Mia Creek wildfire, which has grown to 3,437 hectares.

"Fire growth is being monitored and they are looking to establish anchors to guards for ignition opportunities," said BCWS officials. "Crew safety is being prioritized until suitable anchor point and escape routes can be established with current predicted fire behaviour."

BCWS officials predict windy conditions to fan the flames until Friday evening.

"Gusty southwest winds moving ahead of a cold front will gradually shift to northerly or northwesterly by Friday evening. Wind speeds will range from 10 -25 km/hr with gusts as high as 50 km/hr," said the BCWS. "Temperatures trend eight or more degrees cooler across most of the region. The Boundary Zone is expected to remain hot with afternoon highs above 30 degrees."

The forecast has some rain early next week, but it might not be enough to ease the pressure.

"Sunday, a subtropical feed will begin moving up from the south. Rain is forecast to start on Monday for the eastern half of the Fire Centre. The rain will continue in the east on Tuesday, with an increasing risk of dry lightning for the Boundary, Monashee and Valhalla areas," said the BCWS.

On Tuesday, the Wildfire Service expects temperatures to climb back above seasonal normals, with unsettled weather in the west and a drying trend to the east.

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Environment Canada is expecting widespread gusty winds with a risk of dry lightning across much of southern B.C. this week.

The forecaster expects the weather system to sweep through the province from Thursday to Friday.

Strong, gusty winds coming from southwest to northwest and the dry lightning risk will combine with high temperatures in the southern Interior.

Environment Canada officials said the weather system will bring a risk of worsening wildfire conditions, possible new fires igniting and danger from breaking tree branches.

The weather system comes from a dry, cold front passing over B.C., which may result in wind gusts of up to 50 km/h.

"Instability along the cold front may lead to the development of thunderstorms this afternoon and evening," said Environment Canada officials. "The main hazard is localized severe winds with speeds up to or above 70 km/h and dry lightning (lightning that comes with little or no rain)."

Officials said trees impacted by drought conditions will be more susceptible to winds.

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