Heat warning in effect for B.C.'s South Coast

A heat warning is in effect for much of B.C.’s South Coast, as a prolonged heat wave is expected this week.

In an alert posted early Saturday, Environment and Climate Change Canada said daytime temperatures are expected to reach 33 C inland, with overnight lows of around 17 C.

The alert affects Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, East Vancouver Island, and the Sunshine Coast.

The federal weather agency says well above seasonal temperatures combined with elevated overnight temperatures will mean little relief from the heat.

However, meteorologists say daytime temperatures will be several degrees cooler near the coast thanks to a breeze off the water.

Temperatures are expected to return to normal on Friday.

The agency warns that extreme heat can affect everyone, and to watch for signs of heat illness. Those can include swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.

Following the warning Saturday, the B.C. government issued a statement asking residents to be prepared for the heat.

The province will reimburse eligible costs to First Nations and local governments so they can open cooling centres, including transportation for vulnerable citizens to and from the cooling centres.

While the heat is not forecast to be as severe as during the 2021 heat dome, high temperatures are associated with higher risk of heat-related illness, especially over a prolonged period. Those most at risk are older adults, especially if they live alone, and people with health conditions, such as mental illness, substance-use disorder, physical disabilities, cognitive impairment, respiratory disease, heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes.

People who are pregnant, infants and young children are also at increased risk.

The government has provided these tips to stay safe:

• Identify cool zones inside your home or nearby, such as a shaded outdoor location or air-conditioned space where you can cool off on hot days.• Consider places in your community to spend time, such as libraries, community centres, religious spaces, movie theatres or shopping malls.• Shut windows and close curtains or blinds during the heat of the day to block the sun and to prevent hotter outdoor air from coming inside.• Open doors and windows, and use fans when it is cooler outside to move cooler air indoors.• Consider places in your community to spend time, such as libraries, community centres, religious spaces, movie theatres or shopping malls.• Shut windows and close curtains or blinds during the heat of the day to block the sun and to prevent hotter outdoor air from coming inside. Open doors and windows, and use fans when it is cooler outside to move cooler air indoors.• Prepare to cool down by applying cool cloths and drinking plenty of water.• Check in regularly with vulnerable family members and neighbours.• Never leave children or pets alone in a parked car.