Heat Warning in effect for:
- Metro Vancouver – central including the City of Vancouver Burnaby and New Westminster
- Metro Vancouver – North Shore including West Vancouver and North Vancouver
- Metro Vancouver – southwest including Richmond and Delta
A dangerous long duration heat wave is affecting B.C. currently and is expected to last until Tuesday.
Threat: Daytime highs ranging from 33 to 43 degrees celsius combined with overnight lows of 18 to 22 degrees celsius. Humidex values during this period will reach the mid 40’s.
Locations: Metro Vancouver – Central, Metro Vancouver SW, Metro Vancouver – North Shore, Greater Victoria, Howe Sound, Whistler, Sunshine Coast, Southern Gulf Islands, East Vancouver Island, Inland Vancouver Island.
Timespan: Now through Tuesday.
Remarks: An exceptionally strong ridge of high pressure over British Columbia has resulted in record breaking temperatures. The duration of this heat wave is concerning as there is little relief at night with elevated overnight temperatures. This record-breaking heat event will increase the potential for heat-related illnesses.
Temperatures will begin to lower on Wednesday.
Drink plenty of water even before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place.
Check on older family, friends and neighbours. Make sure they are cool and drinking water
Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.
Watch for the symptoms of heat illness: dizziness/fainting; nausea/vomiting; rapid breathing and heartbeat; extreme thirst; decreased urination with unusually dark urine.
Outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks in a cool place.
To get more information:
– Check the local news for health and safety updates.
– Check HealthLinkBC online resources about heat-related illness and how to protect yourself at www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/heat-related-illness.
– Call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 to ask about heat-related illness.
Environment Canada and local Medical Health Officers expect an increase in health and safety risks from heat and are advising the public to take precautions.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.
It could also have very bad effect on crops and increase concerns of wildfire.