Vancouver Doesn't Do Heat Like This — Here's How to Get Through the Next Two Days

Vancouver has a strange relationship with hot weather. We complain about rain for months, then the sun arrives and half the city realizes they don't own a fan. That's the reality right now.

Environment Canada has a heat warning in place across Metro Vancouver through Wednesday. Inland communities like Surrey, Langley, and Maple Ridge are pushing past 32°C, and with humidity it feels closer to 38°C. Areas near the water get a slight break, but overnight temperatures are staying warm enough that apartments without AC, west-facing homes, and transit platforms will hold onto the heat well after sunset.

Adding to the challenge, wildfire smoke drifting into parts of the Fraser Valley and surrounding areas has triggered air quality advisories. So it's not just the heat — the air quality matters too. This isn't a reason to panic, but the next couple of days do require some extra care.

Drink smarter, not just more

Water is still the priority — drink before you're thirsty, because thirst often means you're already behind. But if you're working outdoors, doing deliveries, or spending hours in the heat, you're also losing electrolytes like sodium and potassium.

An oral rehydration solution from a pharmacy can help, and coconut water is another easy option because it's naturally rich in potassium. At home, a simple mix of water, a pinch of salt, and a little sugar can help replace what you're losing.

Also, go easy on alcohol and too much coffee. That afternoon drink may feel refreshing, but both can make it harder for your body to stay hydrated.

If you're working through the heat

Many Vancouver workers don't have the option to stay inside — construction crews, delivery drivers, restaurant staff, and warehouse workers are still on the job.

A few things make a real difference:

Schedule the hardest tasks earlier when temperatures are lower. Take proper breaks in shade or cooler areas. Watch for warning signs like dizziness, nausea, confusion, or suddenly stopping sweating. Wear light, loose clothing and protect your head from direct sun.

Employers also have a responsibility. WorkSafeBC's heat stress guidance includes access to water, shaded rest areas, and adjusting work schedules during extreme heat.

At home: check on people, not just the temperature

A fan can make you feel more comfortable, but it doesn't cool your body the way genuinely cooler environments do. If you have air conditioning, use it. If you don't, spend part of the day somewhere that does—a mall, library, community centre, or a friend's place. It's not a sign of weakness; it's how you stay safe.

If you know older neighbours, friends living alone, or anyone with health conditions that make heat more risky, check in on them. Heat illness can sneak up quickly, especially for people over 65 or those on certain medications. A quick text asking if they're staying cool can make a real difference.