Heat advisories were issued early Monday for most of British Columbia as a long-lasting heat wave takes effect.
According to Environment Canada, temperatures along the coast could reach 35C inland and into the upper 20s near the water. In the southern interior, expected temperatures range from the mid-30s to over 40ºC.
Heat advisories issued Monday extend across most of British Columbia, including Metro Vancouver, eastern and central Vancouver Island and the southern interior north to the Bulkley Valley areas and Fort Nelson.
The weather agency says maximum temperatures are expected from Wednesday to Friday, before a slow cooling trend arrives next weekend.
“A strong ridge of high pressure will bring a heat wave to British Columbia this week,” Environment Canada said Monday.
“Environment Canada and local health officials expect increased health and safety risks from the heat and are advising the public to take precautions.”
Agency warning preparedness meteorologist Armel Castellan says high indoor temperatures are a major concern.
“A lot of us don’t have air conditioning, especially on the coast,” Castellan told CBC’s On The Island. “Indoor temperatures are particularly difficult for certain population groups.”
The province’s public security ministry warned residents last week to have a heat plan ready.
In a statement last Tuesday, the ministry said people should identify cool zones in their homes and nearby community centers or libraries.
Scott Houston, the emergency management supervisor for the City of Burnaby’s community services department, says the city’s cooling centers have no capacity restrictions and, for the first time this year, are also welcoming pets.
“One of the things that was identified last year was that people didn’t want to leave their pets,” Houston told CBC’s The Early Edition. “It will be much easier for people to come in and take advantage of the fresh air.”
The plan should also identify vulnerable family members and neighbors who are at risk of heat illness and need regular checkups, and include ways to cool off, such as showering and drinking plenty of water.
BC senior advocate Isobel Mackenzie urges people to check with their elderly family members as much as possible during periods of extreme heat.
“Older adults, especially those in their 80s and 90s, may not understand or appreciate the impact heat has on their bodies, because as we age, our thermoregulatory processes degrade,” he said. Mackenzie on CBC’s Daybreak Kamloops.
Home Health Medical Health Officer Dr Silvena Mema is urging people to make sure they stay cool and hydrated.
“It’s easy to become dehydrated, and dehydration can exacerbate underlying medical conditions,” Mema told CBC’s Daybreak South. “Avoid extreme physical activity.”
The province announced a heat alert system in June to set temperature ranges and government responses during heat advisories or emergencies, after the BC coroner’s service said more than 600 people died during the heat wave. extreme heat last summer.
CBC meteorologist Johanna Wagstaffe says while it’s not expected to be as hot as last summer’s heat dome, the concern about this heat wave is its longevity.
He also said the wildfire danger will increase significantly in the coming days.