'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
'Nonsense:' Doug Ford slams lawsuits filed by Ontario school boards against social media platforms
Premier Doug Ford says that lawsuits launched by four Ontario school boards against a trio of social media platforms are “nonsense” and risk becoming a distraction to the work that really matters.
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
Tipping is off the table at this Toronto restaurant
A Toronto restaurant introduced a surprising new rule that reduced the cost of a meal and raised the salaries of staff.
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 mm among weather alerts in effect for 7 provinces
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 millimetres, air quality advisories and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces, according to the latest forecasts.
Canada Post’s newest stamp features special cookies for Islamic holiday
Canada Post’s newest specialty stamps feature “melt-in-your-mouth” desserts to mark two Islamic festivals, the crown corporation announced Thursday.
King Charles calls for acts of friendship in first public remarks since Kate's cancer diagnosis
King Charles III gave public remarks for Maundy Thursday, addressing the importance of acts of friendship, following his and Catherine, Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnoses.
A dog and a bird formed an unlikely friendship. Their separation has infuriated followers
Peggy is a stout and muscular Staffordshire bull terrier, and Molly is a magpie, an Australian bird best known for swooping on humans during breeding season, not for befriending dogs. But in an emotional video posted online, Peggy’s owners announced that the animals had been separated.
Statistics Canada reports real GDP up 0.6 per cent in January as Quebec strikes end
Canada's real gross domestic product grew 0.6 per cent in January, helped by the end of public sector strikes in Quebec in November and December, Statistics Canada said Thursday.
Ukrainian child asylum seekers in St. John’s get class of their own
Roughly 50 children will gathered in a St. John’s classroom for the first time on Saturday for unique lessons on Ukrainian language, culture and history.