Meteorologists are calling for a “dangerous long duration heat wave.” Almost all of B.C. is now under this heat warning. Please note that these dangerously high temperatures are forecasted to last for at least the next two weeks.
Daytime highs are predicted over 40° Celsius for all next week, starting tomorrow; Thursday, July 1st is expected to reach 47° Celsius; the week following is still forecasted for temperatures in the high 30s, with no precipitation in the forecast.
In many parts of the province, temperatures are not expected to dip below 20 C, even at night.
Daytime winds will remain strong; while offering some relief to the intense heat, strong wind conditions also cause quicker evaporation-dehydration and present extreme potential for spreading fires.
When temperatures are extremely high, take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones:
- Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as you can.
- Drink plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Schedule outdoor activities carefully.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
- Pace yourself.
- Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
- Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
- Never leave children or pets in cars.
- Check the local news for health and safety updates.
If your home is not air-conditioned, do not rely on a fan as your main cooling device during an extreme heat event.
- Drink more water than usual and do not wait until you are thirsty to drink.
- Do not use the stove or oven to cook—it will make you and your house hotter.
When outdoors, protect against the sun’s rays. If applying sunscreen, check the expiration date on the product you are using; expired products should be disposed of as sunscreen agents can start to change chemically – changes in the formula over time can make it both ineffective and problematic for skin.
- Limit your outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest.
- Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.