We all know it’s hot out there and that temperatures in Vancouver are soaring, but now there’s an official heat warning.
Just before noon on Wednesday, July 22, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a yellow heat warning, stating that “temperatures are high and there is a risk to public health for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.”
“A ridge of high pressure is bringing elevated temperatures to the region. Daytime highs are expected to be in the low to mid 30s with overnight lows in the mid to high teens,” said the ECCC.
In the western areas of Metro Vancouver near the water, temperatures will be in the high 20s.
By Thursday, Environment and Climate Change Canada is expecting “a gradual cooling trend.”
While everyone is affected by the heat, the most at risk include: seniors, people who live alone, people with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease, people with mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety, people with substance use disorders, and people with limited mobility.
The ECCC advises people to check in on family, friends, and neighbours, especially if they are higher risk and/or live alone, to ensure they have a cool space.
It also tells people to look out for heat-illness-related symptoms, which include heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature, and some health conditions getting worse.
The City of Vancouver sent out an information bulletin shortly after the announcement, noting that indoor temperatures over 26°C “can be dangerous to some” and that indoor temperatures of 31°C and above “can be dangerous for most people.”
The City also advised residents and visitors to “make a plan to stay cool.”
- If you have an air conditioner, use it to cool your home or individual rooms.
- Take cool baths or showers, as well as wear a wet shirt or put damp towels on your skin.
- At night, open windows. During the day, close windows, blinds, and curtains.
- If you can’t keep cool in your home, visit malls, neighbourhood spaces, or public cooling centres.
The City has activated cool centres in community centres and libraries, which are open to everyone. There are also over 300 permanent and temporary drinking fountains to get water, as well as 30 misting stations to cool down at. The City also recommends the beaches, swimming pools, and spray parks as places to find respite from the heat.
At the time of publication, Vancouver’s temperature was at 25°C.