Special hot weather statement issued for Metro Vancouver & Fraser Valley
Posted June 22, 2022 7:04 am.
Last Updated June 22, 2022 6:25 pm.
After an unseasonably cold and wet spring, people in Metro Vancouver will finally be able to bring out their summer wardrobe starting on Friday.
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a special weather statement for the region, including Vancouver Island, due to “first hot stretch of summer for the south coast” on Wednesday morning.
“On Friday, inland temperatures will reach into the upper 20’s. Through the weekend and into early next week, temperatures in the low 30’s are forecast. There will be some respite from the elevated daytime temperatures as overnight lows fall into the mid-teens,” the statement reads in part.
While those conditions might be welcome for some, the heat could be dangerous for others.
“With elevated temperatures, the risk of heat related illnesses increase,” Environment and Climate Change Canada wrote.
The messaging comes ahead of the one year anniversary of B.C.’s deadly heat dome that left more than 600 British Columbians dead. The majority of the deaths were in seniors, or those with preexisting health conditions, between the end of June and early July when temperatures hit above 40 C along the south coast, and even hotter in the Interior.
A wildfire burned the Village of Lytton on June 30, following three days of the hottest temperatures ever recorded in Canada, hitting a scorching 49.5 C.
While B.C.’s wildfire risk has been lower this year, thanks to the mild temperatures, and there are no campfire bans in place.
However, the incoming heat elevates the flooding fears in the province.
There are several areas under a flood watch, issued by the River Forecast Centre, but could worsen following heavy snowmelt caused by the rising temperatures.
Plus, the heat could also lead to increased avalanche activity.
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“Freezing levels rise throughout this event and will lead to an increase in snowmelt and snowpack instability. Increased stream flows due to run-off are possible,” Environment Canada warns.
Local search and rescue crews are also sharing their warnings about the weather.
North Shore Rescue hasn’t seen a high number of hikers or bikers getting into trouble in recent weeks, due to the damp spring which kept many people indoors.
Plus, many areas saw late season snow last week.
Jim Loree with NSR says it’s important to know what you’re getting into.
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“Because of the cooler temperatures, there’s still quite a bit of snow up higher in the mountains, definitely slippery conditions. It’s been wet, so mud, snow, ice, definitely making for challenging hiking conditions,” Loree said.
“Plan for extra time, especially being there is patchy snow, that hike you can do in a couple hours might take longer,” adding that hikers should bring extra clothing and be prepared for things to change suddenly.
With files from Hana Mae Nassar
