'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
Western University researchers unlock potential 'cure' for ALS
New research out of London, Ont.'s Western University is shedding light on a potential cure for ALS, in which the targeting of the interaction between two proteins can halt or fully reverse the disease's progression.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Kamala Harris drops F-bomb during White House live-stream
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris used a profanity on Monday while offering advice to young Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders about how to break through barriers.
B.C. man fighting for refund after finding someone living at Whistler vacation rental
Edwin Mostered spent thousands of dollars booking a vacation home in Whistler, B.C., for a group skiing trip earlier this year – or so he thought.
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
Collapsed Baltimore bridge span comes down with a boom after crews set off chain of explosives
Crews conducted a controlled demolition Monday to break down the largest remaining span of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
Security video caught admitted serial killer disposing of bodies in Winnipeg garbage bins
Security video caught admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki on multiple late-night outings, disposing of body parts in nearby garbage bins and dumpsters in the middle of the night.
Mortgage companies could intensify the next recession, U.S. officials warn
U.S. officials worry the next recession could be intensified by a cascading series of failures in the mortgage industry caused by crashing home prices, frozen financial markets and soaring delinquencies.