The Metro Vancouver weather forecast includes a heat warning and an air quality advisory.
While extreme heat should taper off soon, above-average temperatures are expected to persist through the week.
Environment Canada Meteorologist Ken Dosanjh said the heat warning remains in place for the Lower Mainland, with inland highs in the low 30s that feel more like the late 30s with humidity.
V.I.A.'s Trout Lake Weatherhood station in Vancouver shows a high of 30 C with an overnight low of 19 C for Tuesday (July 9).
Elevated temperatures may persist through the night but may also drop below heat warning criteria before Wednesday, Dosangh told V.I.A.
"Wednesday is a mixed bag with inland temps around 29 C," he said, adding that temperatures must hit daytime highs around 29 C and lows of 16 C to meet the public health risk criteria.
A ridge of high pressure has kept warm air from the south locked in while blocking other systems from coming in off the coast and removing it. However, that ridge is expected to start tracking into Alberta by Wednesday.
Air quality advisory issued for Metro Vancouver
Metro Vancouver also issued an air quality advisory on Monday for the region due to elevated ground-level ozone, which is expected to linger for a few days. It will remain in effect until further notice.
Dosanjh said local emissions, combined with elevated temperatures and sunshine, have resulted in more smog.
Environment Canada may lift the heat warning for Metro Vancouver if overnight lows dip into the mid-teens overnight Tuesday but it could remain in place longer.
"By Thursday at the latest, we anticipate the heat warning will be lifted," he said.
Temperatures are expected to remain elevated several degrees above seasonal averages through the weekend. Next week should also see more above-average heat and dry conditions.
The rest of July also shows an above-average signal, although the long-term forecast doesn't show individual weather events. Metro Vancouver typically experiences its warmest temperatures toward the end of July and into August.
Dosanjh recommends locals stay cool and hydrated during the heat event. They should also seek shade or access air-conditioned public facilities during the hottest part of the day from 1 to 4 p.m.
Vancouver has current information on places to stay cool on its hot weather page.
Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with V.I.A.'s Weatherhood.
