B.C. to see temperatures in the 30s as heat wave rolls in

Temperatures on B.C.'s South Coast will range from the low to mid 30s this week – well above average for this time of year – according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Temperatures on B.C.'s South Coast will range from the low to mid 30s this week – well above average for this time of year – according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

The multi-day heat wave is the longest stretch of sustained sweltering weather to hit the province this summer amid a record-breaking wildfire season and persistent drought.

"We haven’t really had a big long or extended heat event, so this is why we’re kind of ringing the alarm bells on this one," said Terri Lang, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Several cities have already opened cooling centres and health authorities and local officials are urging people to seek respite where and when they can.

While it's not officially a heat emergency, temperatures could could still be dangerous for those most vulnerable, including seniors.

"Now the challenge for seniors is that heat waves can be heat emergencies," said B.C. Seniors' Advocate Isobel Mackenzie.

"Particularly for seniors who live in apartments or rooms that get overheated," she continued.