Expect Heat and Wildfire Smoke To Continue Through The Weekend

You can smell the wildfire smoke in the air in the Metro Vancouver region, and we can expect to see the heat and wildfire smoke continue through the weekend these next couple of days.

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Air quality has declined as more wildfires burn in British Columbia, requiring help from international firefighters to assist emergency crews here to deal with the issue.

The wildfire smoke has prompted an air quality advisory from Environment Canada. Officials warn that the wildfire smoke in BC is causing poor air quality and also reduced visibility as well.

The air quality advisory has been issued for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. There are still thousands who have been issued evacuation orders or been placed on warning that they could be evacuated.

It has been a tough wildfire season in BC

The demand that has been placed on emergency crews here has already been significant this season with wildfires burning around the province. A state of emergency over the wildfires had to be declared eventually.

It has been reported that many of those fires burning on the West Coast and around British Columbia have been started by lightning, but there are a few of them that have also been linked to human activity as well.

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Cooling Centers Around Vancouver

Cooling centers can be found around Metro Vancouver and other areas in the Fraser Valley and throughout BC. Some of the common cooling centers that people have visited through the heatwave this summer we have seen include places like community centers, libraries, and malls.

Misting stations have also been set up previously around the Metro Vancouver region and various drinking fountains can also be found in Vancouver and other cities in the province.

Aside from those cooling center locations in Burnaby, Vancouver, and other areas, along with misting stations, and fountain locations, other solutions people have gravitated toward have also been trying to keep cool at home or finding shady spots in the city that are well covered to enjoy.

How to keep cool without air conditioning

There is a bounty of tips available when looking for ideas on how to keep cool at home. Millions of people don’t have air conditioning, including many homes in BC, and that leaves some wondering how to keep cool without air conditioning.

This has fueled a great deal of creativity and idea sharing, as far as how to keep cool tips goes, with different recommendations made to help that include ice packs, misting with water, placing feet in cold buckets, and more.

Because of the heat there are some places that people have found might be too hot to live in when the temperature rises to an uncomfortable degree, and A/C units have been hard to come by as the heatwave hit the West Coast this summer.

One group that has been suffering greatly without air conditioning are seniors in our communities in the province.

Air Conditioning Growing In BC

The number of homes that are gravitating towards air conditioning in BC seems to be growing. A number of air conditioners and fans being sold this summer have been sold at a premium and been hard to find. With the struggle that the extreme heat poses, especially for some groups like the elderly, it has caused some to ask the question of whether or not air conditioning might be a human right? This has been asked on more than one occasion.

The record breaking heat wave that we have seen this year has reportedly been responsible for hundreds of deaths along the West Coast, including pets as well.

Without air conditioning it has people looking for cooling centers, heading to stay with friends or family who do have AC, or looking for a myriad of other solutions that might help to cool things down.

Right now the Pacific Northwest is bracing again for a multiday heat wave.

Despite the record temperatures though and the wildfire smoke concerns it is still expected to be a busy weekend, especially for BC Ferries, for people who are out enjoying their summer.

Delivery apps get busy during heat wave

The Pacific Northwest is experiencing an incredible heat wave right now and temperature records are being broken in numerous regions around B.C. The hot temperatures have prompted many to try anything they can to try and keep cool. For many that has meant going to find cooling center locations in Vancouver and other B.C. cities. that might be open.

Turning on the oven to cook is the last thing that you might want to do right now as temperatures surge above 40°C

That means turning to delivery apps and ordering out instead of cooking at home and making things even hotter.

Last night some who might have been trying to order through third party delivery apps in Metro Vancouver, like Skip The Dishes, might have noticed the uptick in business.

While browsing the Wendy’s menu at one location it was no surprise to see that every salad had been sold out. Why not stock up on some cold food that will keep in the fridge for later? This way you can avoid turning on the oven and other appliances for meals throughout the day.

Ice has also been hard to find. At the grocery store they were completely sold out. And it is likely that many other grocery stores and gas stations were also out of their own supply.

Growing Demand For Air Conditioners And Fans

Because of the heat wave there has been a boom in demand for air conditioners and fans. That has made it almost impossible for some to find what they need and others left trying to sell over-priced air conditioners online at grossly inflated prices.

It’s estimated that only some 40% of those in B.C. have AC in their homes.

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That is many people who are suffering right now to try and deal with the heat. And that means doing anything possible, even ordering cold food or ordering out instead of cooking for the night.

Some restaurants have likely been seeing such unprecedented demand through this heat wave over the weekend and today that they are struggling to keep up.

There are many great restaurants around B.C. to choose from but the heat wave has forced some businesses to close because of the high temperatures.

Those who don’t have cooling systems in their kitchens are going to be extremely uncomfortable work environments during these temperatures.

Closing Down Over High Temperatures

A number of different businesses, from restaurants and garden spaces to gift shops and others, have decided to close their doors because of the heat.

Thankfully, when it gets too hot to cook there are many options available. Delivery apps today make it more convenient than ever to get something local or meet that need when hungry and you don’t have to go and pick it up and brave the heat to do it.

When it is too hot to cook other meal ideas might be salads, sandwiches, or things to help cool down like popsicles, ice cream, or fruit.

BC Hydro power outages leaving thousands around B.C. without power

Over the weekend in B.C. with this heatwave we have been seeing power outages in different regions. BC Hydro said that they were ready to deal with the demand but they are also seeing record breaking demand for electricity right now as well.

As the hot temperature climbed it was inevitable that some areas around B.C. might get BC Hydro power outages. They’ve been working quickly to update communities who are impacted and to work to get people back with power so that they can try and battle the scorching heat.

As far as BC Hydro power outages go during this heatwave there have been thousands left for some period of time without power in various regions around the province.

Over the weekend and today BC Hydro power outages have impacted hundreds living in areas around Mission, Port Coquitlam, and Kelowna.

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Because of the high demand right now during this weather they are seeing records broken for electricity use and many are struggling to try and cool down with these extreme temperatures.

BC Hydro is normally going to be seeing highest peak hourly demand on weekdays and so it was no surprise that on Monday things might heat up even more. Especially considering that we are now seeing peak temperatures for the current heatwave.

For anyone that does suffer a BC Hydro power outage and who is struggling to cool down there are a variety of cool centers in Vancouver and around B.C. to access during this extreme heat. This includes places like spray parks, mist stations, and areas that have air conditioning that is open to the public.

Though some areas might have seen their power temporarily go out recently, likely caused to high demand during this heatwave though it isn’t clear in every circumstance. They often don’t take long getting customers back to being connected.

Enough Power To Meet Demand

For the current extreme temperatures and concern over BC Hydro power outages they have asserted that they have enough electricity to meet demand, they’re ready to supply what is needed to those around the province.

Though they have seen an increase in pressure on the BC Hydro Western grid they aren’t anticipating any BC Hydro power outages like those blackouts which are being seen in some areas of the United States.

Despite the record breaking heat this past weekend and what is still expected to come, BC Hydro has admitted that they have enough energy to meet the summer demand.

Even though we might see some records broken with electricity rates in B.C. we shouldn’t expect that they will fail to provide power.

Rescheduled Repair and Replacement Work

Along with the outages that they have been dealing with they have also taken the time to cancel some repair and replacement work at this time because of hot weather. They will reschedule that work for some time later when things are cooler. Some pre-planned outages have been now cancelled and rescheduled because of the heatwave.

Emergency Vet Clinic Issues Warning After Several Dogs Die From Heat Stroke

The Pacific Northwest is experiencing an unprecedented heat wave right now and that means that there is increased risk for seniors and pets.

The SPCA and animal health professionals have been urging people to remember to not leave their pets in cars and to consider these extreme temperatures for their animals at home. Make the necessary steps to help them cool off.

Now, an emergency vet clinic in Nanaimo is issuing a message and warning the public about the dangers of the heat, after several dogs passed away from heat stroke recently.

Leaving pets in hot cars is one of the most obvious risks but there are other risks too. They can also suffer negative consequences if there are high temperatures in other environments, even in their own backyard.

Animal service professionals suggest that using ice or extreme cold isn’t the best option because this can shock the dog. They recommend placing the feet of the dog in water that is room temperature or use cool towels to rub on their bellies to try and cool them off. Some dogs are going to be more at risk than others.

How to keep pets safe during hot temperatures

Ice Cubes – these work great when you want to know how to keep pets safe during hot temperatures.

Giving pets some frozen treats or something to cool down with for summer could include placing some ice cubes in their water bowl. If you prefer this then you might have to replenish the ice cubes several times throughout the day because they will melt.

Frozen Bottles – placing frozen water bottles near the pet’s bed and a towel over them to try and cool the area down helps. You could also use an ice pack in the same way if you have it instead. Cover it up and wait for it to cool down.

Stay Indoors – Staying out of the heat during the day is the best way to avoid the mistake of getting too much sun.

Fill Up A Small Pool – filling up a small children’s pool with water is what many pet owner’s will do during summer and their dogs love to play and splash around in it. This is a great idea if you have the space to do it.

Use Air Conditioning Or A Fan – Keep a fan going for them if it helps, and opt to go walking with them earlier in the morning when it is cooler out. Or if you do not want to do early morning walking then you could also go out later in the evening if things cool down, although they haven’t gotten too low the past couple of nights in B.C. during this heat wave.

Keep A Close Watch

Dogs cool down through their panting and through their paws. So having a small pool filled with some cold water to help them cool off can be a refreshing way to help them beat the heat.

During these extreme temperatures it is important to keep pets safe and inside, protected from the high heat. Avoid pavement, exercise, hot cars, and direct sunlight even if it is in the backyard.

Get them to relax in a shaded and cool area and remember to give them lots of water to drink.

Extreme Heat Wave Impacting Berry Farmers Around Pacific Northwest

Right now should be the best and busiest time for berry farms around the province. A variety of berry farms around the West Coast offer berry picking during the summer, where you can go and pick your own berries on the farm.

Some of those berry farm destinations in B.C. and other areas also have restaurant patio food services, or sell a wide range of berry and other food products.

These businesses are a significant part of the farming industry in British Columbia. They are also a big draw for locals during the summer who might want to go berry picking with friends or family.

Right now under this once in a millennium heat wave on the Pacific Northwest they are suffering because berries are literally being cooked on the vine under these temperatures.

Temperatures around Metro Vancouver, B.C. and the Pacific Northwest are breaking records and the crushing heat has prompted heat warnings and air quality warnings too.

An air quality advisory has now been issued recently for Metro Vancouver because of those rising temperatures. We are expecting to see these high temperatures for several days yet.

After berry farms in Vancouver have been able to so far make their way through the pandemic, now they are facing even more problems with this B.C heat wave.

Before a single berry on those farms has been picked on some farms in B.C. they are now fearing that it could be over for the season because of the extreme temperatures that have hit the West Coast.

Heat Wave Causing Problems For Berry Farmers

Berry growers around B.C. and along the West Coast are worried about what the temperatures are going to mean now for their crops and farms now. Some farmers are expecting to lose tens of thousands of dollars now because of the record breaking summer temperatures that we are seeing.

Now some are rushing to pick whatever berries on the farm they can salvage before they might get further ruined by the extreme heat.

Raspberries and others aren’t known for doing well under such extreme temperature conditions and they can easily dry out or get cooked which makes them unable to be sold.

The heat might be uncomfortable for many of us but for these farmers it is going to mean a lot more and could mean a tremendous loss with the worse the temperature gets and impacts those crops.

Berry crops from B.C. to Washington, Oregon, and other regions, are seeing drastic effects already on their berry farm crops.

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B.C. is one of the largest suppliers of highbush blueberries in the world

Because of the extreme heat some of those berry farmers are now calling on the government for help in British Columbia. Some have urged the minister of agriculture to get involved because of the impact the heat wave has had on crops, as well as the federal government to help too.

So far they do not know how bad the season might get for berries and farmers around the region.

Those in the industry are continually keeping an eye on the situation. Right now because of the heat in B.C. they are seeing that some crops are ripening much faster and also producing smaller berries, they are being pushed ahead of schedule.

The extreme B.C. temperatures are keeping many people indoors right now but when they start to go back down again it will be a better setting to head out looking for some fun to have this summer. Something new to do could include a visit to a berry farm that still has some left to salvage.

They could use some community support now at this time after all that they have been through.

There are several berry farms around B.C. to find that are great attractions to visit if you want to have some summer fun with friends or family, picking blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and other items.

Around the Lower Mainland in B.C. you can find berry farms that are a mix of a farm and winery that also offer food service like berry waffles for brunch.

One destination would be Krause Berry Farms & Estate Winery located at 6179 248 St, Langley Twp. Here you can find food, wine, and get to pick your own berries as well. There are also dozens of different farmers markets around B.C. that offer locally grown berries to purchase this summer as well.

Other options for U-Pick berry fields in Surrey include that like the Farm Markets located at 5180 152 ST, Surrey BC. At this location you can pick your own berries like raspberries and strawberries.

Because of the heat wave recently in B.C. and around the Pacific Northwest however the heat has closed a number of schools and businesses, including those berry farms for U-Pick berry picking.