Sweltering temperatures in Canada's North are breaking records

A ridge of high pressure over Northern Canada has sent temperatures soaring well above-normal this week.

We're only halfway through the week, and several communities in the Northwest Territories have already set new August heat records on Tuesday, as well as one all-time record.

Typically at this time of year, temperatures in the territory are much more temperate, with highs in the mid- to high-teens. This week, however, temperatures are almost double that.

RELATED: Long-standing weather records fell across Canada during July

Tuktoyaktuk and Aklavik, N.W.T., each broke their previous records for hottest August temperature, seeing temperatures reach 29.3°C and 32.3°C, respectively, on Tuesday.

Inuvik, N.W.T., also reached a new August record with the thermometers hitting 32.7°C—only one-tenth of a degree away from their all-time hottest temperature. Temperatures are forecast to break that all-time record on Wednesday, however.

Fort McPherson, N.W.T., broke their all-time hottest temperature record on Tuesday, reaching a scorching 34.3°C.

Rare heat wave continues

Temperatures will continue to reach sweltering heights through Thursday for the northern territories.

SEE ALSO: How hot weather can worsen some pre-existing health conditions

This is only the second heat wave on records to occur in the Inuvik region of the Northwest Territories. Previously, the only recorded heat wave for the region was a three-day event between July 2-4, 2022.

Temperatures are expected to stay in the low- to mid-30s Wednesday and Thursday, although Wednesday's temperatures do have the potential to overachieve and break even more records.

Stay with The Weather Network for more forecast information and updates on your weather across Canada.

WATCH BELOW: The science behind 'heat dome'

Click here to view the video

Thumbnail image courtesy of Pexels/Bradley Hook.