Metro Vancouver heatwave: Warnings, records, precautions

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Summer is blazing into the Lower Mainland with a vengeance over the next few days, with temperatures expected to jump up even higher and a dangerous heat warning in effect.

The warning for the region covers what is being called a “dangerous long-duration heatwave,” predicted to last from Friday, June 25 until Wednesday, June 30.

Meteorologist Michael Kuss says we are in for a series of record-setting days.

“As long as we’ve been keeping records really around the area. And if we go all the way back 100 years, we could see some of those records being set across the Lower Mainland and really around the province,” he explained. “As you get away from the shoreline, we will be looking at highs, starting (Saturday), really, in the mid-30s, pushing 36, 37 degrees. Even (Friday) afternoon, we still have a bit of an onshore breeze, so close to the coast we’re looking at 25 degrees. Away from the water, up to 32.”

He says breaking records is more of a certainty for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, but notes Friday’s historic high is also at risk of being shattered.

“It’s going to feel a little warmer than the actual readings, as well, with a bit of humidity. Thirty-two to 36 will be the feel,” he said for Friday, adding the region likely won’t see morning temperatures as cool as Friday’s for at least a week.

We may not see morning temps this cool for at least a week & these current readings are about 5C warmer than normal. @NEWS1130 pic.twitter.com/KpGEE7msGb

— Michael Kuss (@Kusswx) June 25, 2021

Michael says we could also see some record-low highs.

“That’s a concern where the overnight lows are in that record territory of 19 to 21 degrees. It’s just not going to cool off and that’s probably the biggest concern — it’s all sunshine all the way through the weekend.”

Experts are urging people to take care of themselves amid this streak of unusually hot weather.

That includes putting off outdoor activities for cooler times of the day, or even postponing strenuous activity for a different day altogether.

Youth sports and heat

Many sports leagues have protocols in place, with some mandating extra cooling and water breaks, or rescheduling games.

Craig McDougall, president of the Valley Ball Hockey Association, says while their outdoor games are under cover, the league is taking extra steps to ensure the safety of players, coaches, and staff.

“Our coaches are quite versed at watching for signs of dehydration, watching for kids that are looking a little lethargic, that type of stuff. So we’re careful enough and we’re monitoring things as they go,” he told NEWS 1130.

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However, he says usual protocols don’t take into account the extreme temperatures that are in the forecast for the coming days. In addition to usual precautions, other steps are being taken.

That includes not hosting games during peak heat hours and adjusting other play times.

“We can start games as early as 7:30 or 8 o’clock in the morning, and at that time, the temperatures are comfortable enough to continue to play a game,” he said, noting other measures are also in the works.

“We are an association that is dealing with minors, so this could be everybody from five years old all the way up to 19 years old, for argument’s sake. And these children … not always do they come prepared or not always are they aware of what can happen to our body when you’re playing sports in that type of heat,” McDougall said.

“We anticipate bringing several flats of water to the arena and making sure that if a child comes in and does not have a water bottle with them, there’s a free one for you. And making sure you have water with you on the bench.”

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Valley Ball Hockey was also working to push afternoon games to later dates, with McDougall saying any changes would be communicated as early in advance as possible.

He says the league is also monitoring day-of situations in order to rejig schedules as needed, explaining that if temperatures spike to a certain level, officials will be able to make other plans.

“We’re just trying to determine what is the safe number right now. But if temperatures do peak up, we can cancel immediately. We’re just working with our officials at the same time to be able to have them judge the situation and if a game needs to be cancelled due to risk of children, then we’ll cancel it and we’ll look at rescheduling,” McDougall said, adding everything is “fluid.”

“Everything this year seems to be an interesting year for all sports,” he added, highlighting changes the pandemic brought. “One day you’re dealing with one situation, the next day you’re adjusting to move to another situation.”

-With files from Lisa Steacy and Martin MacMahon