Warnings issued for B.C.'s South Coast amid brief heat wave
Much of the B.C.’s South Coast is under a heat warning with temperatures expected to soar.
Health officials are warning people to be wary of heat-related illness for the next few days.
Environment Canada says the mercury will climb as high as 35 C inland and 27 C near the water on Wednesday and Thursday.
Warnings have been issued for Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, the Sunshine Coast and Howe Sound.
Parts of Vancouver Island and further up the coast, as well as the Fraser Canyon and Thompson regions, are also impacted.
“A strong ridge of high pressure will bring a short-lived heat wave to British Columbia. Temperatures are expected to moderate on Friday,” said Environment Canada in an advisory.
Because of this, heat-related illness is a real danger, Environment Canada said.
Some of the symptoms include rash, cramps, fainting, exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.
Younger children, older adults, pregnant people, those with chronic illnesses and anyone working or exercising outdoors are most at risk.
Those who live alone and people who are marginally housed are also more impacted.
Several cities across in the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health regions have opened cooling centres to offer relief.
“The hottest time of the day will be late afternoon to early evening. Extreme heat affects everyone,” said Environment Canada.
Preliminary data from the B.C. Coroners Service revealed that 16 people died during the record-breaking heat wave that arrived late last month -- most were seniors.
However, temperatures this summer have not reached the highs that were seen during last year’s heat dome that led to more than 600 deaths.
“In my 34 years, I have to say that is the worst event that I've ever seen for the loss of life. And because of that fear, the provincial government and everybody, the citizens, we're all watching out for each other better than we ever have,” said Doug Lundquist, a meteorologist for Environment Canada.
“It's sad that it had to come to that, but that's part of what's going to happen with climate change. Maybe this is a warning to us, that we have to expect really unexpected things in the future,” said Lundquist.
He says it’s important to ensure adequate warnings and information get out there without causing unnecessary fear.
Lundquist believes the B.C. Provincial Heat Alert and Response System introduced back in June is working well so far.
Environment and Climate Change Canada is a key component of that.
“We talked to a lot of people, our provincial partners, our municipal partners, we talked to a lot of people so the message is getting out there. We're still ironing out bugs, of course,” he told CTV News.
He believes collaboration and communication have never been better. But says there is always room for improvement.
Officials are urging the public to check on their neighbours and loved ones over the next few days.
They're also reminding people not to leave kids or pets in the car.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.