Cooling centres opened as prolonged heat wave begins in B.C.

A sweltering and protracted heat wave is expected to arrive Sunday and could last for the rest of the week across much of British Columbia.

Officials have warned residents to prepare for temperatures into the high 30s in the province's south.

Emergency Management Minister Bowinn Ma has said British Columbians should take precautions to avoid the heat, drink water and limit outdoor activity —  including by going to cooling centres, if possible.

Environment Canada is predicting temperatures as high as 38 C by Wednesday in Kamloops, while in Port Alberni temperatures are expected to remain in the low-to-mid 30s all week.

The weather office issued heat warnings Saturday along the southern coast, forecasting that Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Howe Sound will get temperatures reaching about 33 C, while East Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast are expected to see daytime temperatures peaking between 29 and 32 C.

Temperatures are expected to cool by a few degrees on Thursday.

Separate heat warnings were issued for Kootenay Lake, where temperatures are forecast to top 37 C between Monday and Thursday, and North Thompson, where highs of 29 C are expected.

Forests Minister Bruce Ralston has said the above-average temperatures will quickly dry out watersheds and people should continue to conserve water.

More than 80 per cent of the province has reached level 4 or 5 drought conditions, the highest possible rankings.

Seventeen of B.C.'s 34 water basins are at Level 4 drought conditions, meaning harm to ecosystems and communities is likely. Another 11 are at Level 5, meaning all efforts should be made to conserve water and protect critical environmental flows.

Cooling centres open throughout B.C.

In response to the prolonged heat wave, municipalities throughout B.C. — from Saanich on Vancouver Island to Kamloops in the Central Interior — have opened cooling centres starting Sunday.

A full list and map with cooling centres can be found at EmergencyMapBC, which is maintained by EmergencyInfoBC.

Isobel MacKenzie, the B.C. seniors' advocate, said that there has been an increase in awareness of heat-related mortality risks following the deadly 2021 heat dome in the province, which killed 619 people.

B.C.'s emergency ministry issued a statement on Saturday saying this week's expected heat wave is not slated to be as severe as the 2021 heat dome, as nighttime temperatures are expected to be lower.

While the province has moved to provide some low-income residents with air conditioners following that disaster, MacKenzie agreed with some advocates who say the program is limited in its scope.

"The province deserves credit obviously for these air conditioning units," she said. "But when you look at the numbers, it is a small number when you look at how many people are going to be affected by these heat waves."

Thus far, 360 units have been distributed to low-income people over six weeks, according to the province.

Check the CBC News Climate Dashboard for live updates on extreme heat across the country. Set your location for information on air quality and to find out how today's temperatures compare to historical trends.