Here is when Vancouver may see showers this weekend

While there might be some precipitation in Metro Vancouver this weekend, a heat warning is still in effect.

Environment Canada's heat warning notes that a ridge of high pressure will lead to elevated temperatures Friday in the region through Saturday night. 

The Vancouver weather forecast includes a 30 per cent chance of chances showers on Friday evening and Saturday morning. That said, however, Friday is expected to see highs of 27°C on the coast and 33°C inland but these temperatures will feel more like 33°C and 39°C  with humidity.

Similarly, Saturday's forecast includes a 25°C high on the coast and a 31°C high inland. With humidity, these temperatures will feel more like 31°C and 37°C. 

"Heat stress can pose an immediate danger to health. If you are experiencing any symptoms, it’s important to get out of the sun, find a cool location and hydrate,” said Dr. Emily Newhouse, Fraser Health Medical Health Officer.

”Remember to check in with older people who may begin to feel unwell as temperatures remain warm this week. You can help by checking if they are able to stay cool and calling for medical assistance if appropriate.”

Cooler temperatures are in store for the south coast beginning on Sunday.

Photo via Environment Canada

Coping with the Metro Vancouver heat wave

There is a variety of mild to severe symptoms linked with heat-related illness, including thirst, dizziness, confusion, weakness and fainting or collapsing.  Medical Health Officers remind Lower Mainland residents to take precautions to protect themselves and others from the heat, including:

Check-in on others

• People living alone are at high risk of severe heat related illness. Check regularly on older people, and those who are unable to leave their homes, for signs of heat-related illness. 
•  If others are unwell, help move them to a cool indoor or shady space, help them get hydrated and call for medical assistance if appropriate.

Stay hydrated

•  Drink cool non-alcoholic beverages (preferably water) irrespective of your activity intake.  Don’t wait until you are thirsty.
• If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask about increasing the amount of water you can drink while the weather is hot.

Keep cool

• Never leave children or pets alone in a parked car. Temperatures can rise to 52°C (125°F) within 20 minutes in an enclosed vehicle when the outside temperature is 34°C (93°F). Leaving the car windows slightly open or "cracked" will not keep the inside of the vehicle at a safe temperature.
• Seek out an air-conditioned facility (such as a shopping centre, library, community centre, restaurant, or a residence of friends or family).
•  Use public splash pools, water parks or pools or take a cool bath or shower.
• At high temperatures, fans alone are not effective.  Applying cool water mist or wet towels prior to sitting in front of a fan is a quick way to cool off.
• Dress for the weather by wearing loose, light-weight clothing. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• Keep your home cool. Open windows, close shades, use an air conditioner (if you have one) and prepare meals that do not require an oven.
• Avoid sunburn, stay in the shade or use sunscreen with SPF 15 or more.
• Avoid tiring work or exercise in the heat. If you must exercise or conduct strenuous work, drink two to four glasses of non-alcoholic fluids each hour. Limit daytime outdoor activity to early morning and evening. Employers should consider delaying or modifying outdoor work during high heat, and providing for hydration and frequent cooling breaks following WorkSafeBC guidance when work continues.

For more information on heat-related illness, call HealthLink BC at 811.