Scorching temperatures prompt heat warning for parts of B.C.

Parts of British Columbia are once again under a heat warning as sweltering temperatures make a return. 

Environment Canada issued the warning on Aug. 9, stating another hot stretch is expected for the Central Coast’s inland sections, Fraser Canyon, North Coast’s inland sections and North Thompson. 

From now until Wednesday night, temperatures in the Central Coast and North Coast could reach daytime highs above 28 C with overnight lows nearing 13 C. 

"A ridge of high pressure building over B.C. will bring rising temperatures to the region through Wednesday. Above seasonal temperatures and elevated overnight temperatures will mean little relief from the heat,” states the warning.

The warning includes Bella Coola, Terrace and Kitimat. 

"There will be a cooling trend beginning on Thursday with temperatures falling back to seasonal norms,” the warning continues.

In the Fraser Canyon, including Lytton, daytime highs will hover near 35 C. Temperatures there are expected to fall back to seasonal norms by the weekend. 

North Thompson will feel the heat from now until Friday with daytime highs in the low 30s.

People in these areas are reminded to drink plenty of water and stay in a cool place. 

Environment Canada and local medical health officers expect an increase in health and safety risks from heat and are advising the public to take precautions.

During the July 26 to Aug. 3 heat wave, the BC Coroners Service says 16 people died from heat-related illness. The worst day for fatalities was July 29, with five deaths recorded. 

Half the 16 deaths occurred in the Fraser Health region and six in Interior Health. Only one each have been recorded so far in Vancouver Coastal and Island Health.

By comparison, the BC Coroners Service confirmed 619 people died in the worst natural disaster in Canadian history, B.C.’s June 25-July 1, 2021 heat dome.

There is also a special air quality statement in effect due to wildfire smoke for Elk Valley, North Coast, Okanagan Valley and West Kootenay. 

With a file from Bob Mackin