by Zahra Alani As rising temperatures hit British Columbia again, people continue to ask me why Meteorologists make such a big deal about hot weather. It’s because extreme heat is the #1 weather-related killer. Weather-related phenomena like tornadoes, hurricanes and floods are what normally capture our attention.
The devastation from these events is visible, tragic and extreme. However, it’s excessive heat that takes the most amount of lives. This is why as weather specialists, we want to help you stay safe.
For a city like Vancouver that is not used to such extreme temperatures, many of us aren’t prepared. Buildings here aren’t all made with air conditioning. Pet owners don’t automatically buy cooling vests. After all, we are Raincouver… usually.
Environment Canada has issued a Heat Warning now through Saturday, for Metro Vancouver and much of the inland coastal areas. Metro Vancouver is in for hot temperatures from low to mid 30°’s. Further North through Fraser Canyon, including Lytton, to the Okanagan temperatures will reach mid to high 30°’s. Possibly see 40° in some areas.
EXTREME HEAT:
It’s important to recognize that during extreme heat there is a higher need to remain hydrated with water and stay cool as your body is struggling to regulate its temperature. This is more extreme for children, seniors and pets.
Fans are helpful but should not be your only cooling device. Fans create airflow, which gives your body a false sense of comfort but it DOES NOT reduce body temperature. Try to use a fan and mist yourself with cold water.
TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HOME COOL:
- Keep the heat out! Close blinds and drapes during the day
- Add insulation to keep heat out, also around window air conditioning units
- Use window reflectors to reflect heat back outside
- Limit heat from appliances like stoves, ovens, dryers, dishwasher
- Use fans to increase airflow; ceiling fans should rotate counter-clockwise
- Use air conditioners
FIND A COOLING CENTRE:
Many cities have opened cooling centres. Click the links below to official city pages to check for hours of operation in your area.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. Some city pages may not have a list of cooling centres but the area will provide other options such as spray parks, swimming pools and recreation centres. Many libraries with air conditioning are also serving as a cooling centre in multiple areas. Check your local library for more information.
You can also look for updates on Twitter from Tweets by @EmergencyInfoBC.
City of Surrey (includes Cloverdale) – Scroll down to “Extreme Heat & Smoke Relief Locations”
Revised from July 26, 2021.
9 Comments on “Staying Cool During The Heatwave: Tips and Cooling Centres Links B.C.”
BC is really being hit with a lot this year – fires, heat, and now flooding. I think this is something we are all going to have to get use too .. Great tips
Great tips! We don’t have too many heatwaves in Newfoundland lol but sometimes it can get very hot.
I gave in and installed A/C this year in my home; had to upgrade the furnace, but even with everything new, I am saving 10% monthly.
Its been very humid this year I never heard of the window reflectors before
Thanks for the great tips.
On the East coast we had some really hot humid days where it was tough to do anything, It’s good you have cooling centres to help out.
great info to share during these hot months
We are having another really hot week here in Ontario. This is a great compilation of resources for those in BC needing some reprieve from the heat and great tips on how to stay cool.
I have a question about something different. I want to buy autocad 2016 or 2017, but even old versions like this are still expensive. Where can I get it for a good price?