Heat warnings are being extended across British Columbia as the heat wave intensifies

VANCOUVER — A heat wave has set in, bringing blistering temperatures to more than 40 regions in British Columbia.

But the extreme heat — and a warning from Environment Canada — isn’t deterring some Vancouver beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Among them is cyclist Anthony Maw, who stopped by the seafront at Kitsilano Beach to buy some lemonade from two 12-year-old girls who were taking advantage of the warm temperatures to earn some extra pocket money.

“I don’t mind supporting local,” he joked in an interview.

Maw said he started his cycle near the city’s Queen Elizabeth Park and planned to cycle along the city’s waterfront to Spanish Banks Beach.

“Actually, the water moderates the temperature quite a bit,” he said, explaining why he decided to stay on the path that runs along the shore.

He had stopped halfway to rehydrate with a glass of lemonade, but said he was enjoying the heat.

“This is the best time of year to be in Vancouver and, frankly, to be alive. In six months you’ll be wishing for warmth again,” Maw said with a laugh.

Heat warnings cover much of the lower third of the province, northeastern BC, inland sections of the central and north coasts, and eastern and interior Vancouver Island.

Most regions of the province are expected to see temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, while the southern Interior could see temperatures reaching 40 degrees this week.

The Met Office initially issued about two dozen warnings, but extended them – and almost doubled them – until Sunday.

Among them was Metro Vancouver, which is expected to see daytime temperatures reaching the mid-30s indoors and 20s near the water.

Environment Canada said the high temperatures pose a risk to public health, so it encouraged taking precautions to minimize exposure.

Woman Sarah Adair said she and her friends originally planned to spend the afternoon on the sand at Kitsilano Beach.

“I wish I had a beach umbrella,” she said in an interview.

“I was probably on the beach for about 20 minutes and it got pretty unbearable in the heat.”

So Adair said they quickly moved to a nearby patch of grass where they were shaded by a tree. She noted that they also hydrate by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol.

The City of Vancouver said in a press release Saturday that it has opened cooling centers in libraries and community centers and reminded residents of the more than 200 permanent water fountains that are available for free use across the city.

The city also asked residents to check on vulnerable people, including the elderly, people living alone, those with pre-existing health conditions or mental illnesses, including substance use disorders, and those dealing with homelessness or have limited mobility.

“Guidance from health partners indicates that it may be unsafe for some people at higher risk of heat illness to spend time in indoor temperatures above 26 degrees Celsius,” it said. “The risk can increase significantly when indoor temperatures are above 31 degrees Celsius.”

Jill Sartore of Vancouver, who was also sitting in the shade on a patch of grass in the Kitsilano neighborhood, said she was avoiding the sun after braving the heat at a street festival on Saturday.

“I think yesterday it felt hotter because we were on the sidewalk, but today we’re just sitting in the shade (and) I love it,” she enthused. “But I have a roof and I can’t be on it today. It’s too hot.”

She said she is concerned about what the heat could mean for wildfires in the province.

“If it doesn’t rain, are we going to start burning? It’s a bit worrying,” she said.

The BC Wildfire Service said in its situation report Sunday that “well above seasonable temperatures” are expected to persist into the week.

“This warming and drying trend will continue to increase the potential for increased wildfire activity,” the statement said.

But, he noted, the weather lowers the risk of lightning that can start flames.

Of the nearly 100 active fires burning in the province as of Sunday, 78 percent are reported to have been started by lightning and 22 percent were caused by humans.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 7, 2024.

The Canadian Press