'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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.