Metro Vancouver now under heat warning, along with much of southern B.C.

CBC

3 days ago

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Residents in Metro Vancouver, much of southern B.C. and Vancouver Island should prepare for hot weather over the next two days, according to Environment Canada.
Heat advisories have been issued for regions including Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, adding to warnings for east and inland Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, Whistler and Pemberton in the Sea-to-Sky region, as well as the Fraser Canyon, South Thompson, South Okanagan and North Thompson.
Daytime temperatures could reach 33 C in certain areas of Metro Vancouver, according to the Environment Canada alert, with overnight lows near 17 C.
Some areas near the water and the southwestern section of Metro Vancouver will "likely get a reprieve from the heat," added the alert.
In the Fraser Canyon, South Thompson and South Okanagan, Environment Canada said temperatures could near 35 C, while coastal areas including the Island, Whistler and Pemberton could reach 30 C.
Environment Canada expects the temperatures for all regions to cool down on Wednesday.
How to beat the heat
Dr. Maulik Baxi, a medical health officer at the Fraser Health Authority, advised British Columbians and travellers to be aware of the heat warnings around the province.
"We know that it is summer, it's vacation time in schools, lots of people will be travelling," Baxi said. "So while it may not be affecting where you live, it may be affecting where you go. And so be aware."
Baxi advised people to check on vulnerable people who may be more at risk of getting a heat-prone illness, such as young infants, seniors, pregnant people and anyone with disabilities.
People should avoid the heat of the day as much as possible, and stay cool by opening windows at night, when heat can build up inside homes, he said.
"Be a good neighbour, you know, and take care of one another."
Environment Canada said heat affects everyone but added the risks are greater for seniors, people who live alone, people with certain pre-existing health conditions or mental illness, people with substance use disorders and people with limited mobility.
"Check on family, friends and neighbours, who are at higher risk, particularly if they live alone, to make sure they have a cool space."
The forecaster also warned to check for early signs of heat illness, which include feeling unwell, fatigue, thirst, headache, or unusually dark urine, which can "rapidly evolve into life-threatening emergencies."
If that happens, move to a cooler environment immediately, Environment Canada said.