Dangerously long heat wave hits Metro Vancouver, starting today

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      This morning, Environment Canada spelled out how hot it's going to get in the Lower Mainland over the next few days.

      According to the national weather forecaster, daytime highs will range from 29 ° to 38 ° C between today and Wednesday (June 30). 

      The humidity index measures how it will feel for the average person. It's expected to reach the high 30s and possibly even extend into the low 40s.

      The public is being advised to remain in a cool place and drink plenty of water even before feeling thirsty.

      In addition, Environment Canada said that pets and people should never be left inside a parked vehicle.

      "Watch for the symptoms of heat illness: dizziness/fainting; nausea/vomiting; rapid breathing and heartbeat; extreme thirst; decreased urination with unusually dark urine," it added. "Outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks in a cool place."

      Vancouver announces measures to beat the heat

      The City of Vancouver has been a leader among Canadian municipalities in preparing residents for heat waves and other consequences of climate change.

      In 2012, it adopted a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, which was updated in 2018 by the City of Vancouver's sustainability group.

      The strategy points out that by the 2050s, Vancouver will have 43 days each year above 25 ° C—more than double the 18 days in 2018. In addition, the document noted that the hottest days would be even hotter, elevating health risks to vulnerable people.

      One response was to create "cooling stations" in public buildings, including libraries and community centres, with signs welcoming people to enter to avoid the heat.

      On June 24, the city announced that it has activated 10 temporary water fountains in addition to the more than 200 existing drinking fountains.

      Starting today, will launch temporary misting stations at the following locations.

      • Columbia and Powell (NE corner)
      • Robson and Cardero (SW corner)
      • Granville and West 10th Avenue(NE corner)
      • Commercial and East 10th Avenue (NE corner)
      • Thornton Park (East side)
      • Andy Livingston Park (NW corner)
      • Nelson Park (SE corner)
      • West Boulevard and West 45th Avenue (SE corner)

      Meanwhile, the following air-conditioned community centres are also accepting visitors:

      • Britannia - 1661 Napier Street
      • Carnegie - 401 Main Street
      • Evelyne Saller - 320 Alexander Street
      • Gathering Place - 609 Helmcken Street
      • Hillcrest - 4575 Clancy Loranger Way
      • Kerrisdale - 5851 West Boulevard
      • Mount Pleasant – 1 Kingsway
      • Ray-Cam - 920 East Hastings Street
      • Roundhouse - 181 Roundhouse Mews
      • West End - 870 Denman Street

      All Vancouver Public Library locations have air-conditioning. However, the Firehall and Strathcona branches are closed on Sunday and several other branches only open at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

      Water-spray parks, which use a push-button system, are open at Connaught, Grandview, Hastings, Oak, Prince Edward, Pandora, Garden, Harbour Green, Stanley Park Lumberman's Arch, Chaldecott, Maclean, and Norquay parks.

      The following off-leash dog-walking areas have water available for pets:

      • Sunset Beach Park
      • Hadden Park
      • Spanish Banks Beach Park
      • John Hendry (Trout Lake) Park
      • New Brighton Park

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