The summer heat is in Metro Vancouver this week.
A special weather statement was issued this weekend as temperatures in southwestern BC got close to heat warning levels and a ridge of high pressure kept clouds from the region.
Environment Canada meteorologist Gary Dickinson tells V.I.A. the statement was issued as it was the first such heat event of the season, and people are not likely acclimatized to the summer heat yet.
A hot start to the forecast
The statement is in place until Monday, June 9, when temperatures are expected to be 22 C near the water and 28 C inland.
Relief from the heat will come Tuesday, Dickinson says, but it won't be much.
"That ridge starts to weaken, and we'll get some winds off the ocean into Metro Vancouver," Dickinson says.
On the shore, the highs will again be 22 C, he says, while inland it'll be closer to 26 C.
Both nights, a low of 13 C is expected at night, which isn't all that cool.
Warm week ahead
The weakening of the ridge will continue, Dickinson explains, though no major storms or precipitation will arrive. That means only a gradual decrease in daytime highs through the week.
"It's basically a shift in the winds going from the east to the west," Dickinson says, explaining the lower high temperatures will be due to cooler ocean air being brought in by the breeze.
From Wednesday to Friday, highs are expected between 19 C and 21 C. Inland temperatures will likely be higher. Overnight lows are expected to be around 11 C or 10 C.
Dickinson suggests people take some moderate precautions to help stay cool, like closing blinds and shades to block the sun out and carrying an extra bottle of water when outside.
"We're looking at a dry week for this work week," he notes.
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