B.C. heat wave: High temperatures remain in forecast after record-breaking weekend

Heat is expected to persist in B.C. through the start of the week after some parts of the province saw record-breaking temperatures over the weekend.

More than 40 heat warnings remained in place across B.C. Monday, with moderate summer temperatures expected later in the week.

Jennifer Smith, national warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, said during a morning news conference the heat wave was due to a ridge of high pressure over western North America. 

• READ MORE: 22 temperature records broken in B.C.

"High pressure causes air to sink and dry out, reducing cloud cover and leading to hot temperatures," Smith explained.

While communities closer to the water might see cooler temperatures, Smith said it's important for residents to be prepared regardless.

"This is the first widespread heat event of the year for Western Canada. The area has had a few hot days so far this year, but Southern B.C. for instance has had a cool May and June, so residents' bodies are not acclimated to the heat," she said.

While Metro Vancouver is expected to see a drop in temperatures starting Wednesday – with a high of 25 C in the forecast for that day – B.C.'s Interior won't start getting relief from the heat until later in the week. ECCC says temperatures will start to moderate on Thursday, but will generally remain elevated through the rest of the week.

In Kamloops, for example, Tuesday is expected to be the hottest day of the week, with a high of 41 C predicted. On Wednesday, temperatures will drop slightly, but highs are still expected to reach 38 C.

Meanwhile, in Lytton, it could get as hot as 42 C on Tuesday, according to ECCC's forecast.

Smith called the current heat wave "significant" but said it's "not the same" as the record-breaking heat dome of 2021.

"In 2021, heat warning thresholds were met and then surpassed by an enormous margin. All-time national records were broken," Smith said. "This does not happen every year, or even every few years. That was truly an anomalous and extreme heat wave." 

Cooling centres opened

As Metro Vancouver manages high heat, some cities have opened cooling centres in community centres and libraries. An information bulletin issued by the City of Vancouver said misting stations and wading pools are also operating.

"Make a plan to stay cool," Vancouver's bulletin said. "When possible, use an air conditioner to cool your home or individual rooms in your home. Take cool baths or showers, wear a wet shirt or apply damp towels to your skin, open windows at night and close windows, blinds and curtains during the day. If you can't stay cool at home, visit malls, neighbourhood spaces, or public cooling centres."

The city also reminded residents to drink plenty of water and to check on family members, neighbours and friends who are vulnerable to heat. Those most affected by extreme temperatures include seniors, people who live alone, those with pre-existing health conditions, people who use substances, homeless people, and those with limited mobility.

Other municipalities, including Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey and Coquitlam, also activated cooling centres as a result of the heat wave.

With files from CTV News Vancouver's Lisa Steacy