'Major shift' in weather the first test of B.C.'s revamped heat warning system
Summer heat is arriving in Metro Vancouver on the anniversary of last year's deadly heat dome, and while there's no connection between the two, the first taste of summer weather is also the first test of B.C.'s revamped heat warning system.
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued special weather statements for much of the province on Wednesday, and while the agency described the conditions as “warmer-than-average temperatures,” officials were quick to point out there is no warning or alert in place, nor are any expected.
“This is going to be moderate, it's not going to be extreme," explained ECCC emergency planner Armel Castellan, who noted the heat dome saw record-breaking temperatures 20 degrees above normal.
"If we see an extreme event on the horizon, (we) can see them coming a week, sometimes 10 days ahead of time and we will be raising that alarm."
The new “BC Provincial Heat Alert and Response System” announced earlier this month is essentially a revamping of the previous system, which various officials have acknowledged was poorly communicated and not understood during the heat dome, even by emergency response officials and public health personnel.
Castellan says while the incoming heat is not dangerous to the broader population and doesn’t meet the minimum criteria for temperature and duration, it is the first big test of the system in general.
“Absolutely it is. We worked extremely hard over the winter cold months in order to be ready for the start of the summer months,” he said. “(The system) has been scrutinized from a forecasting perspective, from a health perspective, and communication development.”
ELEVATED RISKS FOR SOME PEOPLE
While the conditions don’t meet the criteria for a “heat warning” – and certainly not for an “extreme heat emergency” – the province’s foremost expert on heat and public health points out the sudden rise in the mercury after such a cool spring shouldn’t be underestimated.
“When we are not acclimatized to these warmer temperatures yet, they have a slightly bigger impact on our bodies than when we've had a couple weeks of warmer weather, so we do expect people are going to feel this,” explained Sarah Henderson, scientific director of environmental health services at the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
“Everyone should be aware of how they're feeling in the heat and take some steps to reduce the impacts of the heat, but this is not heat dome 2.0.”
She said that seniors’ bodies don’t regulate temperature as well, and people with disabilities, diabetics, those who are pregnant or have heart disease, schizophrenia, substance use disorder or are taking certain medications need to be extra careful.
“If you've had a heat-related injury last year or in prior years that always puts you at higher risk when it's hot outside,” said Henderson, noting heat stroke in particular.
INDOORS THE GREATEST RISK
The recent findings from the coroner’s report into the heat dome found nearly everyone who died during the punishing heat was indoors; most were seniors and many lived alone.
Some didn’t die for weeks after the temperatures had started subsidiing.
Henderson urged neighbours and friends to check on those living alone and to watch out for symptoms including excessive sweating, dizziness, headache or discomfort. People experiencing those symptoms should be cooled down right away. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms, including vomiting, confusion and other symptoms of heat stroke, should call 911.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, Ontario police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Motion to allow keffiyehs at Ontario legislature fails
A motion to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh within Queen’s Park failed to receive unanimous consent Thursday just moments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his view that prohibiting the garment in the House is divisive.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Lack of detention space could force CBSA to release detainees, internal memo warns
The Canada Border Services Agency is scrambling to find space to hold high-risk detainees that are set to be transferred from provincial jails in June.
Allman Brothers Band co-founder and legendary guitarist Dickey Betts dies at 80
Guitar legend Dickey Betts, who co-founded the Allman Brothers Band and wrote their biggest hit, 'Ramblin' Man,' has died. He was 80.
Taylor Swift's new album allegedly 'leaked' on social media and it's causing a frenzy
A Google Drive link allegedly containing 17 tracks that are purportedly from Swift's eagerly awaited "The Tortured Poets Department" album has been making the rounds on the internet in the past day and people are equal parts mad, sad and happy about it.
What does it mean to be 'house poor' and how can you avoid it?
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Calgary man charged with manslaughter in death of toddler
Calgary police say Winston Campbell, 45, has been charged in the death of a two-year-old girl in 2022.