Early-season heat grips B.C.'s South Coast, raising health concerns

British Columbians are bracing for an early-season stretch of summer heat with temperatures on the South Coast and parts of Vancouver Island forecast to reach the high 20s and low 30s this weekend.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement about the heat, which is expected to persist into early next week, particularly in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and parts of Vancouver Island.

"We are anticipating a strengthening ridge of high pressure over southern B.C.," said Derek Lee, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada. "We're forecasting uninterrupted sunshine with temperatures building through the weekend."

Lee says Sunday and Monday could see daytime highs around 29 C for inland areas and 23 C near the water. He added that while such heat events aren't unusual, they've arrived earlier than normal this year.

"For some individuals, early-season heat may be challenging as their bodies are not acclimatized," he said, adding that people with respiratory illnesses and older adults are most at risk.

Health authorities are encouraging people to prepare now. Fraser Health says this is not yet classified as a heat warning or emergency, but it's the season's first stretch of high temperatures.

"Early-season heat events can affect people more than expected because we're not [ready] yet," said Dr. Emily Newhouse, a medical health officer with Fraser Health. "People haven't put in place all of their summer plans to make sure that they stay cool."

She says it's a good time to put a heat plan in place and suggests keeping a thermometre handy.

Health officials say indoor temperatures over 26 C can pose health risks for vulnerable people, while temperatures above 31 C may be dangerous.

Newhouse also noted that electric fans don't effectively cool the body, and recommends using air conditioning or visiting cooling centres during the hottest parts of the day.

 "They might feel nice, but your body can still be overheating. A space with air conditioning is much more effective," she said.

Non-profit brings chill zones to at-risk residents

In Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, the non-profit Whole Way House is taking steps to support vulnerable seniors and veterans who may not have access to air-conditioned spaces.

"We make sure we get our educational posters up…tips on hydration, how to beat the heat," said president Jenny Konkin. "If someone doesn't have A/C, they can come down to one of our chill zones."

Konkin says staff do visual checks on residents every 24 hours and distribute water or Gatorade to those who may be hesitant to leave their rooms.

"We've seen people start to overheat. Just today one of my staff noticed someone whose face was turning red," she said.

Tips for pet owners

The B.C. SPCA is also urging caution for pet owners. Kaila Wolf, senior director of communications, says dog owners should be wary of walking their pets on hot pavement.

"Dogs don't have shoes on, so their feet are directly touching that pavement," she said, suggesting walks be moved to early mornings or evenings.

Wolf also warns people against leaving their pets inside parked cars, adding that the B.C. SPCA has already received 164 calls this year about animals left in hot cars. Last year, that number reached 841.

"If an animal is panting excessively, looks disoriented or has a vacant stare those are signs of heat distress," she said.

Wildfire smoke adds layer of concern

Meanwhile, in northeastern B.C., wildfire smoke is affecting air quality. Environment Canada has issued advisories for Fort Nelson and the Peace River region.

The agency recommends keeping windows closed and using air purifiers or properly filtered ventilation systems to maintain indoor air quality.

The agency says to prioritize keeping cool during "extreme heat" events that coincide with times of poor air quality.