Heat warnings issued; Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley cooling centres open

Climbing temperatures through the weekend prompted heat warnings for parts of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

According to Environment Canada, “the Fraser Valley is expected to reach heat warning criteria” as daytime highs are forecast to climb to nearly 34 degrees Sunday into Monday, with overnight lows in the high-teens.

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Other parts of the Lower Mainland, including Vancouver, will likely see highs rise into the low 30s, with overnight temperatures expected to be in the mid-teens.

The heat warning comes after a special weather statement was issued earlier this week in anticipation of warming temperatures.

“The south coast is experiencing a stretch of much warmer than average temperatures through Monday,” Environment Canada’s warning reads in part, adding temperatures will be in the high 20s closer to the water, climbing the farther inland you go.
The respite will come in the evening and overnight hours, the agency notes.

People are being warned of elevated risks of heat-related illness as the mercury rises. Environment Canada adds there is also expected to be an increase and snowmelt and snowpack instability, adding “increased stream flows due to run-off are probable.”

With many looking to cool off, you’re being reminded many bodies of water remain cool for this time of year, given how mild temperatures have been leading up to this first blast of heat.

Environment Canada expects temperatures will “return to near-normal values” by mid-next week.

Cooling centres open in Metro Vancouver

As temperatures soar and concerns mount for those most vulnerable, cities across the region have opened up cooling centres to provide some relief.

Burnaby cooling centres

In Burnaby, four centres are open each day until the extreme heat ends, the city notes.

People can stop by the Cameron Community Centre, Eileen Dailly Leisure Pool, Bonsor Rec Complex, or the Edmonds Community Centre between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. to cool down, with facilities offering A/C settings with seating, water, washrooms, and free Wi-Fi.

Our Cooling Centres are open 10am–10pm daily until the extreme heat ends at:
Cameron Community Centre
Eileen Dailly Leisure Pool
Bonsor Recreation Complex
Edmonds Community Centre

All have A/C, seating, water, washrooms + free Wi-Fi.https://t.co/ywBM7JZolL pic.twitter.com/TO5h5itTNp

— City of Burnaby (@CityofBurnaby) June 26, 2022

Vancouver cooling centres

In Vancouver, a number of places are offering respite from the heat.

The city says locals can head to a number of community centres, libraries, spray parks, and more to escape the high temperatures.

You can find a list here.

Langley cooling centres

In Langley, people are welcome to take shelter from the heat in many of the various public facilities, like the City of Langley library.

There are also various spray parks available for people to cool off in. Find them here.

The first hot stretch of 2022 is here. The risk for heat related illnesses increases with elevated temperatures. Find information to help you keep cool in Langley this summer at https://t.co/r5ngfWMxbz pic.twitter.com/B0rRZTyKtW

— Langley City (@LangleyCity_) June 26, 2022

The Township of Langley also offers various spray parks in the community, as well as air-conditioned public facilities.

New Westminster cooling centres

In New Westminster, the city has put together resources to help locals prepare for extreme heat events. It has also listed some air-conditioned drop-in spaces, as well as spray parks.

North Vancouver

People in North Vancouver can drop by either of the city’s spray parks between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. The city also says public buildings like the library and any of the community/recreation centres are also available to anyone who wants to escape the heat for a while.

A heat warning has been issued by @environmentca, which ends later today. For tips on how to #BeatTheHeat in the City + info on places to stay cool, a map of water fountain and fill stations, and more, please visit https://t.co/N1lhcE4G1N. pic.twitter.com/lpF4QQhggM

— City of North Vancouver (@CityOfNorthVan) June 27, 2022

Port Coquitlam/Coquitlam

Port Coquitlam has a number of pools, spray parks, and fountains available to help you cool off.

Locals are also welcome to stop by air-conditioned locations such as the library or one of the recreation centres to catch some relief.

In neighbouring Coquitlam, a number of spray parks are open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Meanwhile, community centres are also open to the public.

Richmond cooling centres

As part of its “Heat and Poor Air Quality Emergency Operations Plan,” the City of Richmond has put together a list of places locals can seek shelter from the heat in.

It is urging residents to be aware of heat-related illness and to take steps to protect themselves.

in addition to facilities offering places to cool off, the city has also listed where you can find water fountains.

Surrey cooling centres

The City of Surrey is making civic facilities available to anyone in need of relief from the extreme heat.

These facilities are available in addition to pop-up cooling and misting centres, which can be found here.

 

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Check back as this list is updated. 

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