On July 3 in Vancouver, a person in a wheelchair gets ready to paddleboard on False Creek, just as Environment Canada warns British Columbia about an upcoming heatwave. Temperatures are expected to soar into the high 30s°C and even higher. (Photo by Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press)
A significant portion of British Columbia (B.C.) and Alberta are experiencing heat warnings, with temperatures expected to reach the low 40s Celsius in some areas this weekend.
Daytime temperatures in B.C.'s Lower Mainland and eastern Vancouver Island could rise to the low 30s Celsius, while communities like Kamloops might see temperatures hitting 40°C on Sunday, as reported by Environment Canada. This sweltering weather could persist into the middle of the week.
"A ridge of high pressure over the region will usher in very high temperatures and will last until Thursday morning," said Environment Canada on Sunday.
Gary Lee, an operational meteorologist with Environment Canada, stated that the extreme heat is covering much of the West Coast, extending to Portland, Oregon, and Seattle.
Although the B.C. Interior is experiencing high temperatures, Lee mentioned that these temperatures are not breaking many records. He added that the heat wave is likely to continue through the week, with cooler weather expected in B.C. by Thursday.
Alberta is also under heat warnings, with temperatures between 30°C and 35°C expected during the day. Similar to B.C., the extreme heat could last until mid-week.
Misting stations will be on full blast for the Calgary Stampede to help attendees cope with temperatures in the low 30s. The heat warnings extend as far north as Fort Simpson in the Northwest Territories.
Environment Canada has urged people to take precautions due to the risk to public health and to check on their neighbours. "Heat affects everyone, but the risks are greater for 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," stated Environment Canada.
Dave Ray, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, noted that the recent cooler weather makes the current heat wave feel much hotter. He expects temperatures to peak on Vancouver Island and the South Coast on Tuesday, with highs in the low 30s Celsius. Ray emphasized that while the current heat is significant, it is not as extreme as the 2021 heat dome.
Heat waves are linked to higher mortality rates, especially in cities with more renters. Brian Twaites, the paramedic public information officer for B.C. Emergency Health Services reported a moderate increase in heat-related health issues. He noted that the increase's modest nature suggests that people are managing the weather well.
The City of Vancouver has opened cooling centers in libraries and community centers and reminded residents of over 200 permanent water fountains available throughout the city. The city has also encouraged residents to check on vulnerable individuals.
Seniors in Kamloops, like 72-year-old Laura Douglas, are using B.C. Hydro's offer for portable AC units. Douglas, who lives in an apartment complex for low-income seniors, managed to reduce her apartment's temperature from 78°F to 74°F within an hour.
Cardiologist and epidemiologist Dr. Christopher Labos warned that "the very young and the very old" are most at risk during heat waves. Older adults are particularly susceptible due to underlying health problems and a diminished thirst reflex, which can lead to dehydration. Children, on the other hand, are more likely to spend extended periods playing outside, increasing their risk.
There is also concern about the heat exacerbating wildfires in B.C. The town of Lytton, which was destroyed by a wildfire in 2021, is expected to reach 41°C on Tuesday. Osoyoos, south of Penticton near the U.S. border, is also expected to see temperatures of 40°C.
The B.C. Wildfire Service is closely monitoring the Patry Creek wildfire, 60 kilometres north of Fort Nelson, B.C. Currently, 94 fires are burning in the province, with 21 out of control, though none pose a risk to public safety at this time.
