Public weather alerts, including heat warnings and extreme heat emergencies, are issued by Environment Canada. In response, cooling centres may be opened at the discretion of local governments in affected areas.

In the event of extreme heat in BC, a list of cooling centres will be shared below. If your community is not listed, check your official community website.

About heat alerts

There are two kinds of heat alert issued by Environment Canada:

• Heat Warning
  • This means daytime and overnight temperatures are higher than usual, but they are not getting hotter every day. Take the usual steps to stay cool.
• Extreme Heat Emergency
  • Daytime and overnight temperatures are higher than usual, and they are getting hotter every day. Activate your emergency plan for heat.

Heat safety and preparedness

• HealthLinkBC: Preventing heat-related illness
• BC Centre for Disease Control: Preparing for Heat Events
• PreparedBC: Extreme Heat

Contact a healthcare provider, or call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1, if think you are experiencing heat-related illness. Mild to moderate heat illness can quickly become severe. Call 9-1-1 in case of medical emergency.