'Extreme heat is dangerous': B.C. health minister warns of 'deadly consequences' as temperatures rise again
With high temperatures once again in B.C.'s forecast, the province's health minister is warning the heat can have dangerous impacts.
Heat warnings are in place for parts of southwestern B.C., including Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Temperatures are expected to reach the low 30s starting Thursday and last through Sunday.
"Extreme heat is dangerous and can have devastating and deadly consequences," said Minster of Health Adrian Dix in a news release.
"Health authorities and BC Emergency Health Services are preparing to assist people in need during the heat wave. British Columbians must also make any necessary preparations ahead of time and take steps to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones."
A heat wave between June 25 and July 1 led to hundreds more deaths than the five-year average for that same period. The province's chief coroner has attributed 580 of those to the extreme heat.
Environment Canada has warned the upcoming high temperatures will provide little relief at night, which can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
"It is important to be aware of and follow the health guidelines provided to keep your body cool while temperatures outside rise," said Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer.
"This includes limiting physical activity outdoors, finding a cool, air-conditioned place and keeping hydrated, and taking extra care to check in with people most at risk, including infants and young children and older people."
Residents should watch for signs of heat illness including swelling, rashes, cramps, fainting, rapid breathing, extreme thirst, heat stroke and worsening of health conditions.
Following the impacts of the last heat wave, some municipalities are conducting reviews of their heat responses. Vancouver's planning commissioners, for example, have sent a memo to city council with a series of short-term and long-term suggestions.
One New Westminster city councillor called both that municipality's and the province's response to the heat wave "a cascading failure."
Coun. Patrick Johnstone wrote reflections on the heat wave in a blog post, saying the city's typical response during regular summer heat wasn't adequate when temperatures neared 40 C.
"We also were not as effective as we need to be at communicating the seriousness of the heat situation," Johnstone wrote. "This was not a 'regular' heat emergency, it was something different, and we should have seen that coming and taking measures to tell the community that."
While Metro Vancouver's temperatures in the days ahead aren't forecast to reach as high as they did late last month, Environment Canada predicts it could get up to 32 C inland on Friday and Saturday and up to 27 C by the water.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.