As the first week of June comes to a close, Whistler is set for its first real heat wave of 2025.
According to a special weather statement from Environment Canada, the "early season heat event" is expected to last until early next week.
"A ridge of high pressure is bringing high temperatures to the region. Daytime highs are expected to be in the high 20's to low 30's with overnight lows in the low to mid teens. High temperatures will persist into early next week," the statement reads.
"Early season heat can be significant due to the lack of acclimatization to elevated temperatures. Keep your house cool. Block the sun by closing curtains or blinds. Watch for the effects of heat illness: heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature and the worsening of some health conditions. Fans alone cannot effectively lower core body temperature, especially for older adults. Use fans to pull in cooler air from outdoors, but if you or someone you care for is experiencing symptoms of heat illness, find a cooler space."
Those looking to escape the heat in Whistler can head to the Whistler Public Library or Meadow Park Sports Centre.
Rising temperatures combined with no precipitation mean increased wildfire risk. Whistler's fire danger rating is currently moderate, but forecast to hit high by tomorrow. Find more info about fire prevention and safety here.
"This is not a heat warning or an extreme heat emergency, but it is the first stretch of high temperatures of this season," reads a release from the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC). "The first high temperatures of the season can lead to some people overheating because they are not yet accustomed to warmer weather. There are some basic steps you can take to ensure you and your family remain safe and healthy during warmer temperatures. The warmer weather will also cause rapid snow melt, leading to high rivers and streams throughout the province so please keep water safety in mind."
The BCCDC advises residents to prepare now for future hot weather with these tips:
· Identify a cooler space in your home and prepare it so you can stay there at night, if possible;
· You may need to change daily living arrangements during an extreme heat event; connect with friends or family about staying in a cooler location;
· Install awnings, shutters, blinds, or curtains over your windows to keep the sun out during the day;
· Get a digital room thermometer to keep with you so you know when your home is getting too hot;
· Check that you have a working fan. If you have an air conditioner, make sure it works;
· If you do not have air conditioning at home, find an air-conditioned space or shaded outdoor location close by where you can cool off on hot days. Consider places in your community where you can spend time such as libraries, community centres, movie theatres, shopping malls, or recreation spaces including the ocean, rivers or lakes.
"It is important to monitor yourself and family members, and to consider developing a check-in system for neighbours and friends who are at higher risk during warmer weather," the release said, noting the most susceptible individuals include: Older adults, especially if they live alone; people with severe mental illnesses, pre-existing health conditions, or substance-use disorders; those with disabilities or limited mobility; people living in poverty; pregnant women, infants and young children; and those working in hot environments.
You can reduce the risk of heat-related illness by staying in cool spaces, drinking plenty of water (even if you're not feeling thirsty); using sunscreen outdoors; and taking it easy, especially during the hottest times of day.
"Signs of overheating include feeling unwell, headache, and dizziness. Take immediate action to cool down if you are overheating," says the BCCDC. "It is important to remember that overheating can quickly lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke."
Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, severe headache, muscle cramps, extreme thirst, and dark urine, the release added. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek a cooler environment, drink plenty of water, rest, and use water to cool their body.
Signs of heat stroke—considered a medical emergency—include confusion, fainting or decreased consciousness, or high body temperatures that cannot be lowered.
The BC SPCA reminds the public not to leave their dogs in hot cars.
“People underestimate how rapidly a vehicle can heat up to dangerous levels, putting animals at risk of fatal consequences,” said Eileen Drever, senior officer protection and stakeholder relations for the BC SPCA, in a release. “We also tend to miscalculate how long we’ll be away from our cars. We think we’re just running into the store for one item, but the line ups are long, we stop to chat with an acquaintance, and five minutes turns into half an hour or more while your pet suffers in the heat.”
