Southern B.C. set to bake under 'early season heat event'
Temperatures could reach the low 30s on the coast and the mid-30s inland, Environment Canada says
Environment Canada is warning of an "early season heat event" bringing elevated temperatures to most of southern B.C. that will persist from Saturday into early next week.
The weather agency has issued more than 30 special weather statements for the province, saying a ridge of high pressure is bringing temperatures that could reach the low 30s on the coast and the mid-30s inland.
The weather statements span the Lower Mainland, up through the Sunshine Coast, into the Thompson and Okanagan regions of the province's Interior and through parts of Vancouver Island.
Overnight lows are forecast to be in the low to mid-teens across the south of the province.
A joint statement from the Provincial Health Services Authority and the B.C. Centre for Disease Control said that while the forecast does not constitute a heat warning or extreme heat emergency, the first stretch of high temperatures of the season can lead to people overheating because they aren't yet accustomed to the heat.
It's important to monitor for health impacts and consider checking in on neighbours and friends who are at higher risk, such as the elderly, children, people with severe mental illness and those with pre-existing conditions, the statement said.
Environment Canada is asking people to watch for signs of heat illness, including heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting and worsening of health conditions.
It is encouraging people to keep their house cool and block the sun by closing curtains or blinds, saying fans alone cannot effectively lower body temperature.
Meanwhile, the province's SPCA issued a statement warning people to keep animals out of hot vehicles.
Even a few minutes in a hot car can be life-threatening for animals, the agency said, adding its helpline had already received 164 calls this year about such situations, but that number is expected to rise with the temperatures.
As things heat up down south, wildfire smoke has prompted air quality concerns in northeastern B.C., where a number of wildfires are burning.
Environment Canada says smoke could impact residents of northeastern B.C. for the next 24 to 48 hours. It suggests limiting time outside while smoke is heavier.
With files from CBC News