Follow this story for the latest updates on the forecast, wildfire and flood situations, and ways to deal with higher temperatures like B.C. is hit by the first heat wave of the year
Metro Vancouver and other parts of B.C. will have its first major heat wave of 2023 this weekend. Here is a summary of the latest news with the latest forecasts, wildfire and flood situations and tips for dealing with hot weather.
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Weather forecast
Temperatures expected to reach 33°C by Sunday
Greater Vancouver is likely to be scorching this weekend, with temperatures in the mid-30s expected in parts of the region.
Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting a steady rise in temperature through the week, reaching 33C indoors on Mother's Day Sunday.
The federal weather agency forecasts sunshine all week, with Wednesday highs of 6 and 80 degrees inland. But then, on Friday, it starts to get really warm, with highs of 21 and 27 C expected inland.
Expected to rise to 24 and 31 C indoors on Saturday and 26 and 33 C indoors on Sunday.
While these temperatures are warmer than usual for May, there should be some lull in the evening as overnight lows are likely to be temperate, between 12 and 15 C.
Read the full story here.
BC forest fires update

Open Fire Ban Begins Thursday in Cariboo Region
Firefighters are reminding residents of the Cariboo region that a Category 2 fire ban begins Thursday in a bid to prevent man-made wildfires.
Beginning at noon, bonfires, fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels, binary explosive targets, and air curtain burners are prohibited in the following areas: Cariboo Chilcotin Forest District; the 100 Mile House Forestry District; the Quesnel Forestry District and the Tsilhqot'in Declared Title Area (Xeni Gwet'in).
This prohibition does not prohibit fires half a meter high by half a meter wide or smaller, and does not apply to stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes.
The Cariboo Fire Center stretches from Loon Lake near Clinton in the south to the Cottonwood River near Quesnel in the north and Tweedsmuir Provincial Park in the west to Wells Gray Provincial Park in the east.
Read our full story here.
BC air quality alerts in effect for North Peace region, Fort Nelson
Environment Canada says smoke from the northern Alberta wildfire is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in parts of northeast BC
Special air quality alerts are in effect for the North Peace and Fort Nelson region.
The weather service says smoke from wildfires can be harmful and everyone should try to find a place where they can get fresh, clean air.
More than 29,000 Albertans have been ordered out of their homes in recent days due to dozens of wildfires.
Two out-of-control fires are also raging in northeast BC.
Evacuation orders or alerts remain in effect for much of the area surrounding the Red Creek and Boundary Lake fires.
— Canadian Press
BC Wildfire Map 2023: Updates on fire locations, alerts/evacuation orders
Stay up to date with our wildfire tracker and get the latest wildfire information in B.C.See the tracker here.
Watch: What to do if ordered to evacuate
Watch: Forest Fire Smoke
BC flood update

Bonaparte River flooding means more evacuation orders for Cache Creek
The risk of flooding has led to more evacuation orders for residents in Cache Creek Village as warmer temperatures rapidly melt into the snowy mountains.
In his latest order, Mayor John Ranta says about two dozen properties must be evacuated due to the immediate danger posed by the flooding of the Bonaparte River.
Cache Creek remains under flood warning.
Last week, the community dealt with rising water from the creek that flowed through its firehouse, flooding several homes and businesses and temporarily closing Highways 1 and 97.
Provincial emergency officials said less rain than expected in the interior south last weekend has stabilized flood risk for a while, but forecasters warn warm weather is likely to trigger snowmelt and other threats later this week. .
The community of Grand Forks, which also declared a local state of emergency last week due to flooding, has begun to lift some of the protections that were in place.
But officials said in an online statement that other protections will remain as they monitor the forecast.
Read the full story here.
— Canadian Press
Watch: How to protect yourself and your home from flooding
Ways to beat the heat

8 tips to prepare for the heat
As we head into this weekend and summer, preparation is key when it comes to staying cool and preventing heat-related illnesses. Here are some tips for preparing it (you can read our full story with more tips here):
1. Consider installing an air conditioner:Air conditioners become hot ticket items when the hot weather starts, so buy them early before they run low. Alternatively, you can also try the DIY route: How to Make Your Own Air Conditioner for Just a Few Dollars.
2. Prepare your home:When it's hot outside, you want to maximize the cooler temperatures inside. Check the condition of caulking around doors and windows and seal any air leaks. Install or use drapes and blinds to help block out sunlight and reduce indoor heat. Stock up on items like sunscreen, bottled water, sunglasses, sun hats, wading pools, spray bottles, or whatever you need to help you stay cool.
3. Sign up for public heat notices:The heat alerts, which are broadcast via news media, social media, the Environment Canada website and digital weather applications, are intended to notify the public of extreme heat conditions and how long the conditions are expected to last. You can get weather alerts from Environment Canada for freeWeatherCAN app.
4. Find out where to cool off:When a heat wave hits and you don't have air conditioning, it's best to stay outside — but stay indoors. Go to malls, cinemas, cafes and restaurants. Municipalities often issue notices listing available places to cool off, such as swimming pools, spray parks, water fountains and misting stations.
5. Ilumine-se no menu:Skip the heavy foods and opt for salads, sandwiches, fruits and veggies instead. Foods like watermelon and cucumber contain more than 90% water and will keep you hydrated.
6. Keep devices turned off:Avoid using appliances that produce heat, such as a stove, oven, dishwasher, and dryer.
7. Prepare a support place to sleep or work:If you don't have air conditioning or your bedroom feels like an oven, choose a different place to sleep. As the heat rises, the ground floor or basement are usually the coolest places in the house.
8. Know the signs of heat-related illness:Refresh yourself about the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses so you can identify problems and seek help.
Watch: Heat Wave: 6 Tips to Stay Safe
Watch: 10 ways to keep your home cool
See: Did the heat get you? Air conditioning vs. fan
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FAQs
How do you survive 30 degree heat? ›
Keep cool. Seek out air-conditioned buildings, draw your curtains, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made from natural fabrics. Plan ahead. Schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising and being outdoors in the heat.
How to manage with extreme temperatures during the heatwave? ›Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes. Keep your living space cool. Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees.
How do you prepare for the next heat wave? ›- Stay hydrated and cool.
- Check with your neighbours, friends and those at risk.
- Be prepared for power outages, and have an emergency plan in place.
- Check the contents of your emergency kit in case of a power outage.
- Cover windows with drapes or shades.
- Weather-strip doors and windows.
- Use window reflectors specifically designed to reflect heat back outside.
- Add insulation to keep the heat out.
- Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building's attic by clearing out hot air.
- Stay hydrated. ...
- Take a cold shower or bath. ...
- Use cold washrags on your neck or wrists. ...
- Use box fans. ...
- Close your curtains or blinds. ...
- Sleep in breathable linens. ...
- Install energy-efficient light bulbs. ...
- Cook in the morning, with a slow cooker or outside.
When working in the heat, drink 1 cup (8 ounces) of water every 15–20 minutes. This translates to ¾–1 quart (24–32 ounces) per hour. Drinking at shorter intervals is more effective than drinking large amounts infrequently. Do not drink more than 48 oz (1½ quarts) per hour!
How do you keep your house cold during a heatwave? ›Shade or cover windows exposed to direct sunlight, external shutters or shades are very effective, while internal blinds or curtains are less effective but cheaper and easier to install. Take a break from the heat by moving to a cooler part of the house (especially for sleeping).
Is it better to have windows open or closed in heatwave? ›“Generally, when it is really hot outside it is a good idea to keep windows closed during the daytime, as you don't want the hot external air to come into the house warming it up. However, after the sun goes down, the outside air will start to cool down,” Browning explains.
Should you stay inside during the heatwave? ›Keep cool by splashing yourself with water throughout the day, or even have a cold bath or shower. Keep rooms in the house as cool as possible by closing blinds and curtains to keep the sun out and only open windows when it is cool enough outside to do so. If possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping.
What should I buy before heat wave? ›Stay hydrated with a stainless steel water bottle. Buy some blackout blinds for your bedroom to keep the sun out. Wear floaty dresses like this linen midi from COS. Take your duvet out of the cover and sleep with linen sheets, or invest in a lightweight and temperature-regulating duvet for the summer months.
Should I water every day during heat wave? ›
Water Regularly
When it's unusually hot your plants will be extra thirsty, which is why it's especially important to stay on top of watering during a heat wave. Because extreme temperatures can impair plants' ability to take up water via their roots, you'll want to water deeply during this time.
- • Provide shade & cool drinking. water & baths. ...
- • Wet clothing to help bring. down body temperature. ...
- • If taking medications, ask. your doctor, nurse, or. ...
- • Wear wide-brimmed, breathable hat or use. ...
- • Drink water/cool liquids. • Eat fresh fruit & salads. ...
- • Daytime: cool living and. working areas by closing.
- Headache.
- Nausea.
- Dizziness.
- Weakness.
- Irritability.
- Thirst.
- Heavy sweating.
- Elevated body temperature.
Compact house forms, rather than sprawling, multi-wing designs work best in hot locales. Home designs with shaded porches, wrap around porches or plans with courtyards that create a shaded open area within the building are ideal.
Do fans help in a heatwave? ›Fan use may cause your body to gain heat instead of lose it. On very hot, humid days, sweat evaporates off the skin slower than normal, and fans make it even more difficult for the body to lose heat by sweating. It's important to stay hydrated and follow other tips to get cool.
How do you stay cool in extreme heat without electricity? ›- Drink plenty of water. Being hydrated is the best way to beat the heat. ...
- Close off the warmest rooms. There are probably rooms that are hotter in your house because they face the sun. ...
- Battery-powered fans. ...
- Take a cool shower or bath. ...
- Leave the house. ...
- Go for a swim.
Dress in loose, lightweight clothing and stay on the coolest, lowest level of your home. Use natural ventilation to cool homes, and consider purchasing battery-powered fans. Drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals, caffeinated drinks and alcohol. Keep refrigerator or freezer doors closed.
What is best to drink in a heat wave? ›- Lemon water. Filled with antioxidants like vitamin C, lemon water is an excellent source of hydration during the heatwave. ...
- Buttermilk. Buttermilk or chaas keeps you hydrated in the summer. ( ...
- Cucumber and mint water. ...
- Coconut water. ...
- Vegetable juices.
Cool, clean fresh water is the best choice for hydration; if plain water bores you, the addition of lemon slices, cucumber slices, or ice cubes may help. Green tea is also a tasty, refreshing twist on plain water that adds flavor without sugar or salt.
What is the best thing to drink on a hot day? ›Water tops the list of what to drink. Drinking water is the most effective way to stay hydrated. The Mayo Clinic recommends roughly 3 liters of fluid per day for men and just over 2 liters a day for women.
Does a bowl of cold water cool a room? ›
Circulate cool air inside
"You're going to want to circulate cool air inside the house, so fill up some bowls with water and some ice," That Property Guy adds. "Bowls of water will cool down the house, especially if you use a fan."
Older homes had drapes over the windows indoors. People would pull these closed during the day to stop the direct influx of infrared rays into the living space. You can coat windows with nearly invisible films to reduce the absorption of infrared into your home if you don't like drapes.
Does ice in front of fan work? ›Use a bucket of ice
According to the GHI, placing a bucket of ice in front of a fan as a homemade AC unit is just as effective. 'As the air passes over the ice it will be chilled and will circulate refreshingly cold air around the room,' they explain.
“In this scenario, opening a window can help to reduce the heat dissipation from the south side.” He also suggests that conservatory windows are always kept open during a heatwave – “otherwise it creates a greenhouse effect – and the door between the conservatory and the house should be kept closed.”
Is it better to keep window open at night when hot? ›From what I've been able to gather from the experts, the answer to this question is actually pretty simple: When the air outside is cooler than the air inside — like at dawn, dusk and overnight — keep the windows open to cool your house off.
Will a house get hotter with windows open or closed? ›Opening the windows simply lets cool air escape and hot air to enter, resulting in hotter interiors. Before deciding to open all your windows at home during hot weather, grab a thermometer, and check if it's hotter outside the house. If it's cooler indoors, just close your windows.
What temperature should you not leave your house? ›Set your thermostat to at least 55°F/16°C if you leave your home for an extended period in the winter. In the summer, it's advisable to fix your air conditioning to maintain a temperature between 85°F and 90°F or 29°C and 32°C.
How can I cool myself down fast? ›- Be sun smart. ...
- Wetter is better. ...
- Drink plenty of water. ...
- Keep your home cool. ...
- Keep cool at night. ...
- Limit your alcohol. ...
- Eat light meals to feel cooler. ...
- Limit physical activity to cooler parts of the day.
Who is at greatest risk for heat-related illness? Those at greatest risk for heat-related illness include infants and children up to four years of age, people 65 years of age and older, people who are overweight, and people who are ill or on certain medications.
What is the secret to sleeping better in a heatwave? ›Use Comfortable Clothing and Bedding
Also, removing or limiting the use of thick blankets can help reduce heat and body temperature as you sleep. Invest in lighter sleeping materials: Bedding materials that allow for better airflow or improved breathability, like cotton or linen, will help you stay cooler.
What should you eat and drink during a heat wave? ›
Cucumber: Cucumbers are also high in water content and can help keep you hydrated. They also contain vitamin C, which can help protect your skin from sun damage. Coconut water: Coconut water is a natural electrolyte drink that can help replenish fluids and minerals lost through sweat during a heat wave.
What Colours to wear in a heatwave? ›After white, the colours that keep the body cool are none other than yellow, grey, and — surprise — red, still considered in the collective imagination as a 'warm' colour. Purple is in the middle of the ranking, so it can be worn during hot weather if it is your favourite colour.
Should I mow my lawn during a heatwave? ›AVOID MOWING DURING EXTREME HEAT When your lawn is particularly stressed from heat or drought, it can be limited in its ability to recover from mowing and can be damaged even more. Instead, mow the grass after a rainfall or after irrigation day.
Should you water your lawn in extreme heat? ›Watering on a hot summer afternoon is a horrible idea. The liquid will evaporate too quickly and may not reach your grass's roots, so heat and irrigation shouldn't go together. Instead, the best time to water grass during summer is in the morning. The ideal time for morning watering is before 9 AM.
Is it better to water at night or morning hot weather? ›Avoid full sun
In the current hot breezy weather it is probably best to water in the early evening. This gives the plants enough time to dry out, but there is still the chance for overnight water uptake by the roots. And if you want to water in the morning then start very early – before the sun is shining.
Province or Territory | Record high temperature | Date |
---|---|---|
Alberta | 43.3 °C (110 °F) | July 21, 1931 |
British Columbia | 49.6 °C (121 °F) | June 29, 2021 |
Manitoba | 44.4 °C (112 °F) | July 11 and 12, 1936 |
New Brunswick | 39.4 °C (103 °F) | August 18, 1935 |
Linen: Wearing linen at night is super soft and breathable for your skin, and unlike cotton, linen is great for those who get hot at night as it draws moisture and keeps you cool at night.
What position should you sleep in when hot? ›Sleep on your side
If you usually sleep on your back or front, you should try sleeping on your side when it's too hot to sleep. This sleep position actually exposes a larger portion of your body to the air, letting the heat from your body escape and regulating your body temperature to a much more comfortable level.
- Invest in summer pyjamas. ...
- Change your sheets. ...
- Add a cooling mattress topper. ...
- Consider changing your mattress. ...
- Keeping windows closed could be the better option. ...
- Freeze a hot water bottle.
Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses and injuries. Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes.
How do you calm heat stress? ›
- Permit rest and water breaks when a worker feels heat discomfort.
- Modify work/rest periods to give the body a chance to get rid of excess heat.
- Assign new and unacclimatized workers lighter work and longer, more frequent rest periods.
- Shorten work periods and increase rest periods:
- High body temperature. A core body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher, obtained with a rectal thermometer, is the main sign of heatstroke.
- Altered mental state or behavior. ...
- Alteration in sweating. ...
- Nausea and vomiting. ...
- Flushed skin. ...
- Rapid breathing. ...
- Racing heart rate. ...
- Headache.
- Close your blinds. ...
- Block the heat. ...
- Just 1oCmore. ...
- Adjust ceiling fans. ...
- Close doors and seal gaps. ...
- Hang out in the evening. ...
- Chill out, not chill on. ...
- Hack a fan.
- The Roof. A third of your home's heat comes from the roof. ...
- The Windows. If your home has a lot of windows, then these are a primary source of heat transference in summer. ...
- The Kitchen.
People can freeze to death at any temperature under 32 degrees F (0 degrees C). Most hypothermia deaths occur in temperatures from 50 and 30 degrees F. Most cold-weather deaths are from days of exposure or short-term exposure to cold temperatures in wet conditions.
Is 30 Degrees too hot for humans? ›But any temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 Celsius) can be dangerous and deadly.
How long can a person stay out in 30 degree weather? ›If you must go outside, you should do your best to limit any skin exposure to no more than 30 minutes. With that said, a person can experience hypothermia and frostbite in much warmer weather, especially if it's windy or the person is wet.
How do you stay cool in 30 degree weather? ›- Eat spicy foods. ...
- Sleep under a damp towel or sheet. ...
- Set your ceiling fan to run counter-clockwise. ...
- Eat less salty food and protein. ...
- Wet your curtains. ...
- Buy or build an ice-pack hat. ...
- Put a bowl of ice in front of your fan.
It could be fatal. It is commonly held that the maximum temperature at which humans can survive is 108.14-degree Fahrenheit or 42.3-degree Celsius.
Can you survive in 32 degree weather? ›Your body will freeze in external temperatures a little below the freezing temperature of water, which is about 32 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you can most certainly die before that. Dying of the cold can happen whenever severe or profound hypothermia kicks in, which can happen before your body technically freezes.
How long can a human survive in 40 degree weather? ›
If the temperature outside reaches -40 degrees, most humans would die within 10 minutes of exposure.
What temperature is dangerously hot for humans? ›In the range of 90˚ and 105˚F (32˚ and 40˚C), you can experience heat cramps and exhaustion. Between 105˚ and 130˚F (40˚ and 54˚C), heat exhaustion is more likely. You should limit your activities at this range. An environmental temperature over 130˚F (54˚C) often leads to heatstroke.
What temperature is unsafe for humans? ›If the outside temperature is between 90 and 105 F, it can cause heat cramps. If between 105 and 130 F, heat exhaustion can occur. If above 130 F, it can cause heat stroke. When things reach this point, there can be loss of consciousness, skin can turn red, there can be nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and other symptoms.
What is usually the earliest symptom of heat related illness? ›- High body temperature (103°F or higher)
- Hot, red, dry, or damp skin.
- Fast, strong pulse.
- Headache.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea.
- Confusion.
- Losing consciousness (passing out)
When heat activates sweat glands, these glands bring that water, along with the body's salt, to the surface of the skin as sweat. Once on the surface, the water evaporates. Water evaporating from the skin cools the body, keeping its temperature in a healthy range.
How cold can you keep your house when you leave? ›Leaving the house vacant for an extended period of time but worried about pipes freezing and bursting? The recommended range is 50°F-60°F. The better the winterization in your home, the lower you can go, but 50°F is the lowest you should go. To be on the safe side, 55°F-60°F is wise.
How hot can you leave your house? ›During the Warm Season
While heat doesn't produce the same type of damage to homes seen from the extreme cold you should still take care of your home if you're leaving it alone during warm conditions. Most experts and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) agree that your home will do fine up to around 85 degrees.
- Drink cool liquids. ...
- Go somewhere with cooler air. ...
- Get in cool water. ...
- Apply cold to key points on the body. ...
- Move less. ...
- Wear lighter, more breathable clothing. ...
- Take heat regulating supplements. ...
- Talk to a doctor about thyroid health.
When the ambient temperature is 30°C, the temperature gradient between your core and your skin is shallower, so convection and radiation aren't enough to dissipate heat as fast as it is generated.