Dangerous heat ahead for B.C., no hint of rain

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — A special weather statement is in effect for Metro Vancouver, with temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s from Thursday to Saturday.

NEWS 1130 Meteorologist Michael Kuss says it will be almost 10 degrees warmer than normal.

“An area of high pressure is strengthening and pushing north into B.C. and Alberta. Temperatures will hit the upper thirties in the B.C. southern Interior and low thirties across the South Coast,”  he said.

This is the first major heat warning issued since last month’s deadly heatwave. The highest temperatures are expected in the Fraser Valley, Sea to Sky region, and inland Vancouver Island, according to Environment Canada.

The most vulnerable — young children, pregnant people, seniors and people with chronic illnesses — are told to prepare and watch for any signs of distress like swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heatstroke and the worsening of some health conditions.

During last month’s heatwave, there were 815 sudden deaths reported across the province between June 25 and July 1, a four-time increase over the average for that time period of 198. Heat is believed to be a factor in many of the deaths.

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The Ambulance Paramedics of BC says the heatwave was worse than the Stanley Cup riots, and admits some 911 responses took two hours.

The Emergency Communications Centre, which is responsible for the majority of 911 calls in the province, saw a historic increase of approximately 55 per cent compared to a normal weekend in June.

The results of an independent review of the provincial response led by the chief coroner is pending.