Environment Canada has issued a heat warning this week for Metro Vancouver due to hot and humid temperatures.
Following last summer’s heat dome—when the atmosphere traps hot ocean air like a lid or cap, UBC has taken steps to plan for extreme heat events. Given the current high temperatures, we wanted to provide some resources and information to help you and your loved ones stay cool and safe.
The following air-conditioned UBC buildings are open to the public:
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- Irving K. Barber Learning Centre (Monday-Sunday, 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.)
- Koerner Library (Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, closed)
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Visit the Weather and Thermal Stress Safety page for the most updated information about UBC’s on-campus cooling centres.
UBC has also installed two temporary water features in the following locations to help students, faculty, and staff stay hydrated under the heat:
The most at-risk or vulnerable people to heat waves are the elderly and those with medical conditions. If you are in this category or have friends and family that are, please make plans to check in on these individuals when the heat gets particularly warmer, especially if temperatures do not drop overnight. In-person checkups are advised, as studies have shown that phone calls are not always sufficient to ensure a loved one is safe and ok during a heat event.
If you or anyone you know experiences serious distress related to the heat, please call 9-11.
For more resources:
- Environment Canada: Special weather statement in effect for Metro Vancouver
- PreparedBC: Be prepared for extreme heat (information available in French, Chinese, and Punjabi)
- City of Vancouver: Stay safe in the summer heat
- UBC EmergencyPreparedness: Extreme weather
For more information on heat stress and safety, please visit Weather and thermal stress safety.