Heat warnings for Metro Vancouver this week

This is going to be, by far, the hottest week so far this year in Metro Vancouver.

Heat-related warnings are being posted.

“A ridge of high pressure keeps the sky almost completely clear, with temperatures rising into the 30s away from the shoreline. But even coastal temperatures will be 26, 27 degrees and feeling in the low 30s The overnight lows really aren’t cooling much below 20 degrees,” said CityNews Meteorologist Michael Kuss.

Inland, it will feel as high as 38 degrees.

The hottest time of the day is expected to be late afternoon to early evening, while the coolest will be near sunrise.

Signs of heat illness include: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and the worsening of some health conditions.

Related articles:

• BC SPCA reminding owners not to leave pets in cars during upcoming heat

• Heat blasts parts of Canada with many warnings issued

Be sure to check in on loved ones. Never leave children or pets in hot cars. Vehicles can become sweltering hot within minutes.

You should stay hydrated and ensure you are drinking plenty of water before you feel thirsty.

Kuss says the scorching hot weather will last at least through Friday, noting it will only cool down a little by the weekend.

Tuesday is shaping up to be the hottest day of the week.

Vancouver opens cooling centres

The City of Vancouver has activated its cooling centres in community centres and libraries.

“Everyone is welcome to cool down and rehydrate at one of these centres and some will allow well behaved pets,” a statement from the city reads.

It’s warning people to remember indoor temperatures above 31 degrees can be dangerous.

“Make a plan to stay cool. When possible, use an air conditioner to cool your home or individual rooms in your home. Take cool baths or showers, wear a wet shirt or apply damp towels to your skin, open windows at night and close windows, blinds and curtains during the day. If you can’t stay cool at home, visit malls, neighbourhood spaces, or public cooling centres.”

There are more than 200 water fountains across the city so you can hydrate. There are also misting stations around Vancouver.

Listen for traffic and weather every 10 minutes on the ones.