Environment Canada expands heat warnings across B.C.

A heat wave has settled over parts of British Columbia, and Environment Canada and the provincial government have expanded their warning of high temperatures into next week.

Thewarnings include the Sunshine Coast and Howe Sound, where daytime highs are forecast to reach 32 C.

The hottest temperatures are expectedon Sunday. Environment Canada had already issued heat warnings for eastern Vancouver Island, where daytime highs are expected to hit the low 30s.

Another warning coversthe Kitimat and Terrace regions, where highs near 30 C were expected Saturday until Tuesday night.

On Saturday, the federal department issued a heat advisory for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, urging residents to take precautions due to escalating temperatures.

Daytime highs are projected to reach the low to mid-30s, while overnight temperatures will hover around 17 C.

Environment Canada warnsthere is a moderate risk to public health from heat-related illnesses, including heavy sweating, heat rash, muscle cramps, fainting, elevated body temperatureand exacerbation of existing health conditions.

The heat wave is expected to subside by the latter half of next week, although the precise timing remains uncertain.

WATCH| What to expect from the heat wave:

How hot will it get in B.C. this weekend and how long will the heat last?

2 months ago

Duration 7:36

Heat warnings have been issued for parts of Vancouver Island and inland sections of coastal B.C., as temperatures rise around the province. Darius Mahdavi, CBC News science and climate specialist, provides BC Today guest host Amy Bell with a weather outlook.

"There is a great deal of uncertainty about how long this hot stretch will persist," the weather agency said of temperatures that were initially forecast to begin trending down mid-next week.

A joint statement from B.C.'s ministries of health and emergency management, as well as the provincial health officer, said Environment Canada was expected to expand warnings to the Interior as the heat spread from west to east.

A special weather statement was also in effect for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, where temperatures are set to reach into the high 20s and low 30s.

Temperatures trigger advisories across B.C.

The forecast for Kamloops, B.C., said the mercury was expected to hit 40 C on Monday and Tuesday, followed by 39 C on Wednesday.

In the northern community of Fort Nelson, B.C., highs between 29 C and 32 C were expected from Sunday to next Wednesday. The entire community was evacuated for more than two weeks this spring due to the threat of an early-season wildfire.

The province's statement says that for many in B.C., these will be the first high temperatures of the season, and people should take care to monitor their health.

Environment Canada said the heat posed a "moderate" risk to public health.

It encouraged people to watch for signs of heat illness including heavy sweating, rashes and fainting and to check in on friends and neighbours who may be at greater risk, especially if they live alone.

"Right now, it looks like [next] Wednesday is the day for a change in the air mass," said Armel Castellan, a warning preparedness meteorologist with the agency.

WATCH |Safety tips for people working outdoors in high temperatures:

How extreme heat can threaten health and safety

2 months ago

Duration 1:55

As the summer season kicks off, health experts are once again reminding people about the effects of hot weather, especially for those working in the sun. As CBCs Sohrab Sandhu reports, one doctor says any signs of heat exhaustion should be taken seriously.

B.C.'s heat alert and response system is the result of work by a committee struck in January 2022 to help the province respond to extreme heat events.

It followed the deadly heat-dome event of summer 2021when temperatures soared above 40 C in many communities between June 25 and July 1.

The B.C. Coroners Service reported 619 heat-related deaths that summer.

Castellan said the current heat wave will be differentbecause temperatures aren't expected to surpass the heat-warning criteria by such large margins.

The provincial statement also noted that wildfire activity is expected to increase with the hot, dry weather after a "relatively quiet" few weeks.

There are currently no wildfires of note, referring to blazes that threaten public safety or infrastructure.