Heat warning expected to last in Metro Vancouver for another week

Earlier this morning, Environment Canada issued a heat warning affecting Metro Vancouver and several other regions of British Columbia.

The warning is in effect for the following areas:

City of Vancouver – including Burnaby and New Westminster
Metro Vancouver – northeast including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge
Metro Vancouver – southeast including Surrey and Langley
Metro Vancouver – southwest including Richmond and Delta
North Shore – including West Vancouver and North Vancouver

In addition, areas like Whistler, the Sunshine Coast, Greater Victoria, and Okanagan Valley are also affected.

The reason for issuing the alert, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada, as well as medical health officials, is due to persistent high daytime temperatures, warm overnight low temperatures, and the extended duration of the heat spell.

The high temperatures are a result of a high-pressure ridge that’s anchored offshore. The warm climate is expected to push into early next week at the very least.

Vancouverites are reminded to protect themselves from the heat by doing the following:

Stay hydrated by drinking cold beverages
Spend time in an air-conditioned facility for at least several hours every day
Stay in shade or use sunscreen to avoid sunburn
Never leave children or pets alone in a parked car

Environment Canada also warns that heat stroke is a medical emergency and that if you feel dizzy or disoriented, seek medical attention.

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