ENVIRONMENT and Climate Change Canada issued a heat warning for Metro Vancouver on Tuesday, stating that temperatures are expected to reach 29 degrees Celsius.

A prolonged stretch of well above normal temperatures is expected for the South Coast as a ridge of high pressure is anchored offshore. This period of hot weather is expected to persist into early next week or longer.

Environment and Climate Change Canada, in conjunction with Medical Health Officials, have issued this alert due to the persistent high daytime temperatures, warm overnight low temperatures and the extended duration of this warm period.

Environment and Climate Change Canada and Medical Health Officers are reminding people to take precautions to protect themselves from the heat, including:

– Stay hydrated by drinking cold beverages, preferably water.
– Spend time in an air-conditioned facility for at least several hours every day.
– Avoid sunburn by staying in the shade and using sunscreen with spf 30 or more.
– Never leave people or pets in a parked car.

Extreme heat affects everyone.

The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors.

Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If you feel dizzy or disoriented seek medical attention. Call 911 or your local emergency number. If someone has a high temperature and is unconscious or confused or has stopped sweating. Cool the person right away.

Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

Get informed
– Check the local news for health and safety updates.
– For more information on heat-related illness, call HealthLinkBC at 811.
– Contact your local government to find out what services (such as air-conditioned buildings and public splash parks) are available in your area.

Environment Canada and the Lower Mainland Medical Health Officers expect an increase in health and safety risks from heat and are advising the public to take precautions.