Warnings expand as heat wave settles over B.C., with weekend temperatures set to rise

A heat wave has settled over parts of British Columbia with Environment Canada and the provincial government warning of high temperatures stretching into next week.

The weather agency on Friday expanded a series of heat warnings to include the Sunshine Coast and Howe Sound, where daytime highs are forecast to reach 32 C.

The hottest temperatures are expected to start hitting the province Sunday.

Environment Canada had already issued heat warnings for eastern Vancouver Island, where daytime highs are expected to hit the low 30s.

Another warning covered the Kitimat and Terrace regions, where highs near 30 C were expected Saturday until Tuesday night.

A joint statement from B.C.'s ministries of Health and Emergency Management, as well as the provincial health officer, said Environment Canada was expected to expand warnings to the Interior as the heat spread from west to east.

A special weather statement was also in effect for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, where temperatures are set to reach into the high 20s and low 30s.

Tourists in Vancouver's Stanley Park didn't seem concerned.

John Isaac from Toronto was sitting on a bench with his granddaughter Giselle, enjoying the “beautiful sunshine.”

“Apparently the weather's gonna have a heat wave, but we're all ready for it,” said Isaac. “It's gonna be good.”

Dana Bates and friends Machelle Thornton and Kim Walters, all from Hot Springs, Arkansas, were enjoying roses in the park.

Bates called the weather in Vancouver “absolutely perfect.”

The American visitors might find things less pleasant if they head inland next week, instead of boarding a cruise to Alaska.

The forecast for Kamloops, B.C., said the mercury was expected to hit 40 C on Monday and Tuesday, followed by 39 C on Wednesday.

In the northern community of Fort Nelson, B.C., highs between 29 C and 32 C were expected from Sunday to next Wednesday. The entire community was evacuated for more than two weeks this spring due to the threat of an early-season wildfire.

The province's statement says that for many in B.C., these will be the first high temperatures of the season, and people should take care to monitor their health.

Environment Canada said the heat posed a "moderate" risk to public health. The risks were elevated for seniors and people with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and mental health challenges, the agency's bulletin said.

It encouraged people to watch for signs of heat illness — including heavy sweating, rashes and fainting — and to check in on friends and neighbours who may be at greater risk, especially if they live by themselves.

The provincial statement said that wildfire activity is expected to increase with the hot, dry weather after a "relatively quiet" few weeks. There are currently no wildfires of note, referring to blazes that threaten public safety or infrastructure.

A return to more seasonal temperatures is expected later next week.

American visitor Thornton was in no rush for the weather in Vancouver to change. She said it was 38 C in Hot Springs when she left.

“The weather here is just wonderful for us, it’s beautiful,” she said, calling it "fall weather.”

Walters pointed out the jacket she had in her bag, in case it got any cooler. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 5, 2024.