Residents in Metro Vancouver, much of southern British Columbia, and Vancouver Island are being advised to prepare for very hot weather over the next two days. Environment Canada has issued heat warnings for several areas, including Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Other affected regions include east and inland Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, Whistler, Pemberton in the Sea-to-Sky corridor, the Fraser Canyon, South Thompson, South Okanagan, and North Thompson.
According to the alert, daytime highs in parts of Metro Vancouver could reach 33°C, with overnight lows near 17°C. Areas near the water and the southwestern part of Metro Vancouver may feel cooler than inland areas. In the Fraser Canyon, South Thompson, and South Okanagan, temperatures could reach 35°C. Coastal locations, such as Vancouver Island, Whistler, and Pemberton, are expected to reach around 30°C. Forecasters expect cooler conditions to arrive in all regions by Wednesday.
To help people stay safe during the hot spell, several Metro Vancouver municipalities have opened cooling centres. In Vancouver, many community centres and libraries serve as cooling spaces when heat warnings are in effect. The city provides an online map showing buildings with air conditioning, as well as public wading pools, spray parks, and misting stations. In Burnaby, four cooling centres are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering seating, drinking water, restrooms, and free Wi-Fi. Port Coquitlam and the City of North Vancouver are also inviting residents to visit their air-conditioned community facilities.
WorkSafeBC is reminding employers to protect workers from heat-related illnesses. Between 2020 and 2024, the agency accepted 315 claims for heat injuries, with the highest numbers coming from transportation, public works, construction, food services, and film and television production. Employers are being urged to ensure workers have shade, take more breaks, and drink enough water throughout the day.
Health officials are also warning about the dangers of extreme heat. Dr. Maulik Baxi, a medical health officer with Fraser Health, advised both residents and travellers to pay attention to heat alerts. He noted that even if the warning does not affect where someone lives, it could be in place where they plan to visit. Baxi stressed that certain groups face higher risks, including infants, seniors, pregnant people, people with disabilities, and those with chronic health conditions. Individuals who live alone, have limited mobility, or experience mental health challenges are also more vulnerable.
Residents are encouraged to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day and to open windows at night to help cool homes. Baxi urged people to check on family members, friends, and neighbours who might not have access to a cool environment, especially those living alone.
Environment Canada warns that heat can affect anyone, but the impact can be more severe for vulnerable people. Early signs of heat-related illness include feeling unwell, tiredness, thirst, headache, and dark urine. These symptoms can quickly escalate into serious or life-threatening conditions. If such signs appear, individuals should move to a cooler location, drink water, and rest immediately. Officials also stress the importance of drinking water often, even before feeling thirsty, as thirst is not always a reliable sign of dehydration.
Authorities remind the public never to leave children, seniors, or pets inside parked vehicles, even for a short period, as temperatures inside can climb rapidly to dangerous levels.
With the Metro Vancouver heat warning in place until conditions improve mid-week, officials urge everyone to take the situation seriously. Staying hydrated, limiting sun exposure, using cooling facilities, and checking on vulnerable people can help prevent illness during this period of extreme heat.
