B.C. long weekend heat wave, travel delays, and safety tips

The B.C. Day long weekend is just about here, and there’s plenty to do, whether you’re travelling or staying close to home. The heat wave will be all over the region, and you could run into some travel delays.

There’s a special warning for those heading for the B.C. Interior on the Coquihalla Highway. Drive BC says you should expect major delays on the way to Merritt, possibly up to two hours during peak travel times.

#BCHwy5 Travel advisory in effect between Othello Rd, north of #HopeBC and #Merritt. Heavy traffic expected this weekend July 28th – Aug 1st. Drivers can expect congestion and delays. Watch for crews and obey all signage. #LongWeekend
For more info: https://t.co/Wlo4m6ZPIr pic.twitter.com/cbFE1TgxPT

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) July 29, 2022

On BC Ferries, there are sailing waits for Tsawwassen to Duke Point, similar to Thursday. There’s still space on the other routes to the island.

Wherever you go in B.C., you should expect hot temperatures.

“If you’re looking to get away to Kelowna, for example, expect another 35 to 37-degree day tomorrow and through the weekend,” CityNews Meteorologist Michael Kuss said Friday, noting it was a record-breaking 38.7 degrees there on Thursday.

“In fact, there’s been 10 straight days in Kelowna of 35-plus degrees.”

Whistler will also be very warm, with temperatures in the mid-30s through Sunday.

“Around Seattle, there’s an excessive heat warning in place. Temperatures are in the low-30s all the way through Sunday and dropping back to mid-20s on Monday,” Kuss said.

If you’re staying in town, you can check out our list of local places to cool off.

Related articles:

• Metro Vancouver heat wave scorches on, YVR temperature record falls

• No campfire ban expected for B.C. during heat wave or August long weekend

• Vancouver UGM working to keep community safe in this heat

Be careful, if your long weekend will include time in or on the water.

The Royal Lifesaving Society of BC Yukon says despite what you see on TV and in movies, where people scream and splash for help, drowning is silent. In that situation, your body is only capable of focusing on holding itself up and trying to get air.

The fire danger rating is rapidly rising. It's high to extreme for most of the province. Rain arrives next week which should help but until then be incredibly careful both in the back and front country. #BCWildfire #BCHeat #Summer #BCwx @CityNewsVAN pic.twitter.com/A2f7zxnAqK

— Michael Kuss (@Kusswx) July 29, 2022

With the scorching hot temperatures, the BC Wildfire Service is also reminding you of the potential for wildfires. Campfires are allowed, but you are asked to keep them small and douse them properly when you’re done.

The fire danger rating is high to extreme across most of B.C.

For those staying around Metro Vancouver, there are some big events this weekend, including the Celebration of Light’s final show Saturday and the Vancouver Pride Parade taking over parts of the West End Sunday.