Heat wave

A man plays a guitar in the shade at Oppenheimer Park in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, British Columbia, on June 28, 2021, during the heat dome event that set temperature records across the province. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Policy revamp might save lives in next heat dome, but so could community, say B.C. experts

Checking in on neighbours, vulnerable could save lives, experts say

 

British Columbia's provincial flag flies in Ottawa on Friday July 3, 2020. Environment Canada says the first hot spell of the year is about to settle over much of British Columbia, bringing temperatures in the low to mid-30s until at least early next week.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Rain, impending heat wave prompt warning and raise flood potential in B.C.

Thunderstorms, rain, melting snow have the potential to push those waterways above flood stage

 

Many cities across B.C. recorded the hottest days of their histories during the ‘heat dome’ heatwave that blanketed much of the Pacific Northwest at the end June, 2021. (Black Press Media file photo)

B.C. launches heat alert system following 2021’s deadly heat dome

System to have 2 levels: warning and extreme heat emergencies

 

B.C. chief coroner Lisa Lapointe released a report Tuesday (June 7) reviewing heat-related deaths in B.C. in summer 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Review into B.C.’s 2021 heat dome deaths finds 93% didn’t have air conditioning

Cooling requirements in new builds among recommendations by BC Coroners Service’s report

B.C. chief coroner Lisa Lapointe released a report Tuesday (June 7) reviewing heat-related deaths in B.C. in summer 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Many cities across B.C. recorded the hottest days of their histories during the ‘heat dome’ heatwave that blanketed much of the Pacific Northwest at the end June, 2021. (File photo)

Study finds B.C. heat dome caused an uptick in climate anxiety

Over half of respondents said they were more worried about climate change after the heat dome

Many cities across B.C. recorded the hottest days of their histories during the ‘heat dome’ heatwave that blanketed much of the Pacific Northwest at the end June, 2021. (File photo)
Wildfire smoke fills the air and obstructs the view of the mountains as people continue to take part in outdoor activities in Sicamous B.C., on Thursday July 29, 2021. British Columbia is gearing up to respond to another heat wave by taking several steps including opening civic centres that would otherwise be closed so people can escape to a cool place if they lack air conditioning. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Nearly 600 people died due to summer heat waves: BC Coroners Service

Vast majority occurred during June 25 to July 1 heat dome

Wildfire smoke fills the air and obstructs the view of the mountains as people continue to take part in outdoor activities in Sicamous B.C., on Thursday July 29, 2021. British Columbia is gearing up to respond to another heat wave by taking several steps including opening civic centres that would otherwise be closed so people can escape to a cool place if they lack air conditioning. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
A woman walks her dog as mist rises from a water fountain in Montreal, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Record-breaking heat wave hits Quebec for the second time in August

Environment Canada issued a new heat warning noting the sweltering conditions can pose health risks for some

A woman walks her dog as mist rises from a water fountain in Montreal, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
“I have been able to talk to my friends about the subject and help them reevaluate how they perceive homelessness,” writes Emily. Photo: Unsplash

Teen expresses heartfelt gratitude to Trail cooling centre volunteers

The cooling site stayed open during the July heat wave

“I have been able to talk to my friends about the subject and help them reevaluate how they perceive homelessness,” writes Emily. Photo: Unsplash
Wildfire smoke fills the air and obstructs the view of the mountains as people continue to take part in outdoor activities in Sicamous B.C., Thursday, July 29, 2021. The Health Ministry is urging those in areas where heat and smoky skies warnings have been posted to take steps to keep cool and stay safe as many parts of the province continue to experience poor air quality due to wildfires. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

B.C. officials urge caution as third summer heat wave blankets parts of the province

Ridge of high pressure is expected to reach maximum strength on Thursday and Friday

Wildfire smoke fills the air and obstructs the view of the mountains as people continue to take part in outdoor activities in Sicamous B.C., Thursday, July 29, 2021. The Health Ministry is urging those in areas where heat and smoky skies warnings have been posted to take steps to keep cool and stay safe as many parts of the province continue to experience poor air quality due to wildfires. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
(Luke Rushton photo)

UPDATE: Heat warning issued for southern B.C. coast, temperatures expected to hit 38 C

Another heatwave is expected to hit southern B.C., with temperatures nearing 40 degrees

  • Aug 10, 2021
(Luke Rushton photo)
FILE- In this Saturday, June 26, 2021 file photo a paramedic with Falck Northwest ambulances treats a man experiencing heat exposure during a heat wave, in Salem, Ore. Consecutive days of temperatures as high as 116 F in Portland, Ore., made a folly of years of planning for more anticipated emergencies such as earthquakes and snowstorms and it was only as the disaster unfolded that authorities got a sense of how devastating it would ultimately be. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard,File)

Northwest heat wave targeted vulnerable, tested climate prep

Crisis was a wake-up call for the normally temperate Pacific Northwest

FILE- In this Saturday, June 26, 2021 file photo a paramedic with Falck Northwest ambulances treats a man experiencing heat exposure during a heat wave, in Salem, Ore. Consecutive days of temperatures as high as 116 F in Portland, Ore., made a folly of years of planning for more anticipated emergencies such as earthquakes and snowstorms and it was only as the disaster unfolded that authorities got a sense of how devastating it would ultimately be. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard,File)
Sahtlam Tree Farm owner Robert Russell is photographed in front of his cabin, which he built in the early 70’s, on his 40 acre property in the Cowichan Valley area of Duncan, B.C., on Saturday, July 31, 2021. The recent heat dome and drought have taken a toll on his business of growing trees for the busy Christmas season. Robert farms over 40,000 fir trees including the douglas, grand and noble fir trees. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

B.C. Christmas tree growers say intense heat singes prized trees, kills seedlings

An expert says said the heat dome could have immediate and long-term impacts for Christmas tree growers

Sahtlam Tree Farm owner Robert Russell is photographed in front of his cabin, which he built in the early 70’s, on his 40 acre property in the Cowichan Valley area of Duncan, B.C., on Saturday, July 31, 2021. The recent heat dome and drought have taken a toll on his business of growing trees for the busy Christmas season. Robert farms over 40,000 fir trees including the douglas, grand and noble fir trees. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
A helicopter carrying a bucket flies past a property at Barnes Lake while battling the Tremont Creek wildfire near Ashcroft, B.C., on Thursday, July 15, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Heat warning in effect for B.C. as firefighters battle wildfires in province

There are 60 evacuation orders affecting 3,120 properties, an increase of 62

A helicopter carrying a bucket flies past a property at Barnes Lake while battling the Tremont Creek wildfire near Ashcroft, B.C., on Thursday, July 15, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Wildfire smoke fills the air and obstructs the view of the mountains as people keep cool in Sicamous B.C., on Thursday July 29, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Doctors, lawyers want B.C. to track injuries after record heat wave

‘I saw more heat-related illness than I had ever seen in my career’

Wildfire smoke fills the air and obstructs the view of the mountains as people keep cool in Sicamous B.C., on Thursday July 29, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
The heat warnings come after many areas in the region are battling wildfires and drought from the lack of rain. (Pexels)

More heat warnings coming for B.C.’s Southern Interior: Environment Canada

High temperatures are forecasted for much of the region this week

The heat warnings come after many areas in the region are battling wildfires and drought from the lack of rain. (Pexels)
A plume of smoke rise from a forest fire burning northeast of the city in Prince Albert, Sask., Monday, May 17, 2021. (The Canadian Press/Kayle Neis)

Western Canada desperately needs rain but it’s not in the forecast: climatologist

300 wildfires were burning across British Columbia Monday, evacuation orders were issued for several regions

A plume of smoke rise from a forest fire burning northeast of the city in Prince Albert, Sask., Monday, May 17, 2021. (The Canadian Press/Kayle Neis)
The East Toe is a outcropping of rock in the Fraser River at the Big Bar Landslide site, northwest of Kamloops that has to be removed to restore fish passage. (Fisheries and Oceans Canada)

Salmon and other sea life affected by recent heat waves, experts say

Surface waters are warmer than they have been historically

The East Toe is a outcropping of rock in the Fraser River at the Big Bar Landslide site, northwest of Kamloops that has to be removed to restore fish passage. (Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
A University of Toronto study has found the environmental DNA of pathogens harmful to fish are 2.7 times more likely to be detected near active salmon farms versus inactive sites. (Kenny Regan photo)

Salmon and other sea life affected by recent heat waves, experts say

A sweltering heat wave baked much of Western Canada the last week of June

A University of Toronto study has found the environmental DNA of pathogens harmful to fish are 2.7 times more likely to be detected near active salmon farms versus inactive sites. (Kenny Regan photo)
Temperatures soared into the 40s this summer as the province of B.C., Canada baked in a ‘heat dome.’ (Caitlin Clow/Vernon Morning Star)

Extreme heat waves are putting lakes and rivers in hot water this summer

Many people may perceive lakes and rivers to be refuges from unprecedented heat, but freshwater systems are no less sensitive

  • Jul 16, 2021
Temperatures soared into the 40s this summer as the province of B.C., Canada baked in a ‘heat dome.’ (Caitlin Clow/Vernon Morning Star)
Sparks Lake wildfire. (BC Wildfire Service)

‘Heat is just relentless’: Meteorologist warns of hot, dry summer ahead for B.C.

Environment Canada isn’t expecting any significant rain until the second half of August

Sparks Lake wildfire. (BC Wildfire Service)