Heat and air quality warnings from Environment Canada remain in effect for the Lower Mainland on Wednesday (July 22).
Hot temperatures are expected to continue today with daytime highs projected to be in the low to mid 30s. Environment Canada says a gradual cooling trend will begin Thursday (July 23).
Western areas of Metro Vancouver near the water will be in the high 20s.
The combination of hot weather and wildfire smoke has also increased smog concentrations in the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver areas, according to the air quality warning.
Smoke from wildfires including the Brunswick Complex near Boston Bar have increased fine particulate matter concentrations, per the warning.
Environment Canada says smoke levels can change quickly with weather and fire behaviour. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity and reduce the activity’s duration and intensity.
The warning also advises those in the Lower Mainland to check on family and neighbours who are at higher risk.
“Heat affects everyone, but the risks are greater for: seniors, people who live alone, people with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease, people with mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety, people with substance use disorders, people with limited mobility,” the warning reads.
Effects of heat illness include, heavy sweating, rash, cramps, fainting, high body temperature and the worsening of some health conditions.