Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued Heat Warnings for much of the province with an air quality statement also issued for the Fraser Canyon. This warning is expected to remain for most of the week with peak temperatures expected from Wednesday to Friday. Note that this is not an Extreme Heat Emergency and is currently not predicted to become one. However, severe health impacts, including death, can occur at the forecasted temperatures.
During this period of warmer weather, it's important to find ways to stay cool. People can overheat more quickly than usual in the first warm weather of the season because they are not yet acclimatized to higher temperatures.
As a reminder, temperature thresholds for heat warnings and extreme heat emergencies have been established by the BC Center for Disease Control in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Health Emergency Management BC (HEMBC) and B.C. health authorities. A heat warning, such as the one in place now, is the lower level of the two-level Provincial Heat Alert and Response System. You can
learn more on the BCCDC website.
For the duration of these high temperatures, we advise you to take the following precautions:
- Stay up-to-date on weather forecasts and weather warnings for your region.
- If appropriate, develop a heat response plan specific to you.
- Keep in mind that certain members of the community are at higher risk for heat-related illness and death, including older adults and those with chronic illnesses, especially schizophrenia, substance use disorder, and diabetes.
- Watch for symptoms of heat illness.
- Have access to cooler spaces.
- Drink plenty of fluids including water and beverages with electrolytes.
- Ensure you and your family have ways to cool down.
- Be sure to get help if you need it.
To view all special statements and advisories,
visit this Government of Canada website.
