With temperatures expected to soar this week, Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Whistler and other parts of southwest B.C.
The weather agency alerted British Columbians on Monday morning to a heat wave that's expected to push daytime high temperatures in inland regions from 31 to 35 degrees C over the next five days, or 25 to 29 degrees C near the water.
The hottest temperatures will be felt in the late afternoon and early evening, while early morning lows will sit at a far more manageable 15 to 17 degrees C, according to Environment Canada.
Forecasters attribute the incoming heat wave to a strong ridge of high pressure flowing into B.C. this week. Peak daytime high temperatures are expected to hit from Wednesday to Friday, before a "slow cooling trend" begins next weekend.
Whistlerites can expect to see a high of 32 degrees C Monday, before the mercury rises further to hit 34 degrees C tomorrow afternoon. The scorching heat will be even more amplified in Pemberton, where highs are expected to reach 37 degrees C throughout the next three days. Across the Coast Mountain range in the South Fraser Canyon, areas including Lytton could see daytime temperatures climb as high as 40 degrees C, combined with overnight lows ranging from 18 to 20 degrees C.
The heat warning is also in effect for Metro Vancouver, Greater Victoria, Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, Sunshine Coast, Southern Gulf Islands, East Vancouver Island and Inland Vancouver Island.
The imminent heat wave is undoubtedly stirring up memories of the deadly heat dome that descended over B.C. a little over a year ago in June 2021, killing hundreds and prompting a wave of criticism directed towards the provincial government for its handling of the event.
Though an extreme heat emergency has not been declared for these regions at this point, both Environment Canada and local medical health officers are warning of the potential effects of extreme temperatures, and said officials expect to see an increase in health and safety risks stemming from this week's heat wave. The public is advised to take precautions and watch for effects of heat illness like swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some existing health conditions.
Individuals like infants and young children, pregnant women, older adults (particularly those over 60), people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors are at greater risk. Some substances can also make their users more susceptible to heat-related harm, including stimulants like cocaine and meth and opioids like heroin and fentanyl. In addition to being dehydrating, drinking alcohol can also lower blood pressure and make it more difficult to cool down during extreme heat.
B.C. doctors' tips to stay cool in a heat wave
With hot temperatures predicted to hit the Lower Mainland and surrounding regions in the coming days, "heat stress can pose an immediate danger to our health,” said Dr. Emily Newhouse, medical health officer for Fraser Health, in a bulletin.
“It is important that we check in with those who are most at risk and may begin to feel unwell as temperatures rise this week. Please help by making sure they are able to stay cool and don’t hesitate to call for medical assistance when required.”
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and Fraser Health have teamed up following the July 25 alert to issue a few tips about how to chill out—and stay safe—in the heat.
British Columbians with the luxury of air conditioning at home shuld make sure their system is in good working order, while those without should make a plan to find indoor spaces in their community where they can cool off on hot days. VCH suggests spots like libraries, community centres, movie theatres or malls. "Also, as temperatures may be hotter inside than outside, consider outdoor spaces with lots of shade and running water," the bulletin reads.
Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) announced Monday it's activating its Extreme Heat Response Plan and operating a cooling centre on the third floor of its 8000 Nesters Road location. The centre will be accessible to the public between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. daily from Monday, July 25 to Friday, July 29, except for Tuesday, July 26 when the centre will be open in the morning from 9 a.m. to noon.
"The decision to open these spaces and make these services available are guidelines set out by the Medical Officer of Health and outcomes of best practices for non-profit and community care agencies after last year's heat dome," noted WCSS outreach services program manager Lisa Coulter in an email.
At home, shutting windows and closing curtains and blinds during the heat of the day will help block out the sun's rays and prevent hotter outdoor air from coming inside. Doors and windows should be opened later on in the day, once it cools off, to help move that colder air indoors.
Having a working fan is also advised, and can help draw cooler late-evening, overnight and early-morning air indoors, but should not be relied on as a primary means of cooling, according to VCH.
Drinking plenty of water—even if you're not thirsty—spraying your body with water, wearing a damp shirt or taking a cool shower or bath can also help ease the effects of the heat. "Take it easy, especially during the hottest hours of the day," VCH advised.
Residents are encouraged track temperatures in their home using a thermostat or thermometer, as sustained indoor temperatures over 31 degrees C can be dangerous for people who are susceptible to heat.
"If your home gets very hot, consider staying with a friend or relative who has air conditioning if possible," suggested the health authority.
"Identify people who may be at high risk for heat-related illness. If possible, help them prepare for heat and plan to check in on them."
British Columbians are reminded to call 911 in the event of a medical emergency, but to use that number responsibly to avoid overwhelming the system.
When to call 911
Those experiencing heat stroke—typically marked by loss of consciousness, disorientation, confusion, severe nausea or vomiting or very dark urine or no urine—are urged to call 911 for help, as is anyone experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, severe burns, choking, convulsions that are not stopping, a drowning, a severe allergic reaction, a head injury, signs of a stroke or a major trauma.
Those will less urgent health issues are instead encouraged to call HealthLinkBC at 811 to speak with a nurse, or head to an urgent care centre or clinic if it's possible to do so safely. "That way, our emergency medical dispatch staff and paramedics will be available for people who need their services the most," noted the VCH bulletin.
More information about the health impacts of heat, and tips and resources to help stay safe and cool can be found on VCH and Fraser Health's websites.
