BURST
A heat warning has been issued for Metro Vancouver as temperatures are set to soar well over 30 degrees Celsius through Tuesday.
Environment Canada extended the warning to the Lower Mainland early Monday after heat warnings were announced for wide swaths of southern B.C. and Vancouver Island over the weekend.
The new warning covers the inland and eastern sections of Metro Vancouver, including central Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster, where daily highs are expected to reach 33 C along with overnight lows around 17 C.
“A ridge of high pressure is bringing elevated temperatures to the South Coast,” said the weather agency. ”
“Due to strong northwesterly wind over the Strait of Georgia, the southwestern section of Metro Vancouver as well as areas near the water will likely get a reprieve from the heat.”
But the northeast and inland sections of the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley, including Hope, will see daily highs in the low 30s C.
Warnings also continue for inland Vancouver Island, the South Fraser Canyon and parts of the B.C. Interior including the South Okanagan and South Thompson regions.
Temperatures are expected to ease starting on Wednesday.
Environment Canada warns that heat affects everyone, but seniors, people who live alone, those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, heart or respiratory disease, and people with mental illness or substance use disorders are especially at risk.
“Check on family, friends and neighbours who are at higher risk, particularly if they live alone, to make sure they have a cool space,” advised the agency.
Early signs of heat illness include feeling unwell, tired, thirsty and having a headache or unusually dark urine. “These can rapidly evolve into life-threatening emergencies. Move to a cooler environment immediately, such as a shaded or air-conditioned space.”
Drink plenty of water, even before you feel thirsty, to avoid dehydration.
If you have concerns about heat illness, call HealthLinkBC at 811 or check the resources at healthlinkbc.ca .