BURST
Heat and air quality warnings are in effect for parts of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, with temperatures expected to soar in the mid 30s.
Environment and Climate Change Canada says Metro Vancouver residents in the Tri-Cities, Surrey and Langley and the Fraser Valley can expected highs to be in the low-to-mid 30s with overnight lows in the mid to high teens.
The sweltering weather will also be combined with a haze and poor air quality from the wildfire smoke and elevated ground-level ozone, or smog.
Metro Vancouver issued an air quality warning late Tuesday, urging residents to limit outdoor activity. Regional authorities say the hot and sunny weather and the wildfire smoke have increased smog concentrations in parts of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
Smoke from wildfires in British Columbia, including the Brunswick Complex near Boston Bar and wildfires in the southern Interior, have increased fine particulate matter concentrations.
Temperatures over western areas of Metro Vancouver near the water, will likely be in the high 20s before a cooling trend starts Thursday, the federal weather agency said.
The agency warns that 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.
Heat warnings have also been posted for much of B.C. from the North Coast to the South Coast.
In the Fraser Canyon, for example, where several out-of-control wildfires called the Brunswick Complex have forced evacuations of Boston Bar, daytime highs are expected to reach 40 C this afternoon.
People are being reminded to check on family, friends and neighbours, who are at higher risk, particularly if they live alone, to make sure they have a cool space.
Residents are asked to watch for the effects of heat illness which include heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature and the worsening of some health conditions.
Never leave susceptible people, particularly children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. If you are in an overheated area, seek a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, splash pad, misting station, or air-conditioned spot like a public building.