Officials across the Tri-Cities are keeping an eye on hot weather over the next several days to avoid the tragedies that stemmed from last year's heat dome.
So, here's what can be expected in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody during the warmer incoming forecast this weekend and into next week.
When are cooling centres opening?
First, it's important to note B.C.'s ministry of public safety is not currently anticipating an extreme heat emergency.
However, it encourages British Columbians to monitor Environment and Climate Change Canada for temperature forecasts in their region.
The national agency is predicting local weather to be warm and sunny this weekend, followed by temperatures rising to 26 C on Tuesday (July 26) and 27 C by Wednesday (July 27).
In Port Moody, although Environment Canada has not issued a warning at this time, the city is set to activate its extreme heat response plan Monday through Wednesday (July 25-27) based on weather forecast sources:
- Port Moody will open a cooling centre and provide misting tents to help vulnerable residents cope with the heat.
- The cooling centre will be located in the Civic Centre Galleria at 100 Newport Drive.
- Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Port Moody Public Library, also at 100 Newport Drive, is another option for taking a break from the heat – hours of operation will be 9 a.m.-9 p.m. July 25-27.
- Misting tents will be located on the lawn at Kyle Centre (125 Kyle Street), Pioneer Memorial Park (275 Knowle Street), and Rocky Point Park (2800 block Murray Street) – they will be in operation from 8 a.m .to 9 p.m. Rocky Point Park will also have a water bottle filling station.
What is considered extreme heat?
Hot temperatures next week will be a lot cooler compared to last June's extreme heat, when temperatures were above 40 C, and 619 people died in B.C., including 14 people in Coquitlam.
Still, a spokesperson for emergency preparedness in Port Coquitlam says she will be keeping a close watch in the event that temperatures are high enough to warrant extra measures.
PoCo could deploy misting tents or open the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (2150 Wilson Ave.) as a cooling centre.
"We're always monitoring the weather for trigger points we’ve identified," said Trisha Maciejko, who is the city's emergency preparedness manager.
Extreme heat in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam
Port Coquitlam is also testing new misting tents that were purchased to provide cooling mists during an extreme heat event and awaiting delivery of additional misting stations.
In Coquitlam, the city has posted information and tips on its website.
It typically opens two cooling centres when weather gets hot, at Pinetree Community Centre and Glen Pine Pavilion.
As well, the two branches of the Coquitlam Public Library — City Centre (1169 Pinetree Way) and Poirier (575 Poirier St.) — will are available for residents looking to cool off from the heat.
Elderly need hydration during heat spell
The province issues an extreme heat warning when temperatures in eastern Metro Vancouver, including Coquitlam and Surrey, and the Fraser Valley, experience two consecutive days with day time highs of 33 C or warmer and a nighttime low of 17 C or warmer.
During these high temperatures, it will be important for residents, particularly elderly people and those with dementia to stay cool and hydrated, and for their friends, neighours and loved ones to stay in touch, according to the Alzheimer Society of BC, which offers a number of tips on its website.
Research has found that higher temperatures might be associated with worsening of symptoms in people living with dementia.
Warning signs to watch out for include muscle cramps, fatigue, confusion, lightheadedness and nausea.
Other signs may include laboured breathing, chest discomfort and a rapid or erratic pulse.
— ECCC Weather British Columbia (@ECCCWeatherBC) July 20, 2022
