Between the heat wave, and the gas shortage which afflicted a number of stations in Merritt (and beyond) this weekend, you might think that the climate apocalypse has officially begun.

The fact that both of these events also coincided with BC Bike to Work Week is enough to make anyone start to wonder if the universe is trying to send us a sign.

Sunday’s record high temperatures shattered the previous record for June 5 in Merritt by two and a half degrees, and Monday’s high was also slated to surpass the old benchmark for June 6.

And the heat is supposed to continue throughout the week, with the forecasted temperatures nipping at a couple more record highs still to come.

But while the heat likely didn’t help the mood of out-of-gas motorists travelling through the B.C. Interior this weekend, the early run of summer sun should be a reason for the community to celebrate.

Reaching over to crank the air conditioning while lying on the couch is a tried and tested method of dealing with the heat, but since we live in one of the most scenic environments in B.C., with plenty of things to see and do in the great outdoors, we heartily recommend that Merrittonians take advantage of the weather.

I’ve been reassured by climate experts with Environment Canada that the record temperatures are not, in fact, the direct result of a climate catastrophe — just the lingering effects of the El Niño phenomenon  working their way up to the great white north.

Be sure to layer up with sunscreen to avoid the harmful affects of the high UV index, and consider bringing the bike out of the garage should the fuel shortage stick.

This is our chance to get a head start on summer — even if we have no gas to get us anywhere.