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Will Metro Vancouver have another heat wave this summer?

Heat warnings can evolve at any time over the summer.
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The Metro Vancouver weather forecast includes warm temperatures at the end of July but locals shouldn't brace for another heat warning (yet).

The Metro Vancouver weather forecast includes warm temperatures at the end of July but locals shouldn't brace for another heat warning...at least not this month.

Environment Canada Meteorologist Lisa Ervin says temperatures in the region have dropped closer to seasonal averages this week, allowing a cooler respite from an extended heat event across the province. 

Daytime highs have ranged in the low 20s but could climb up to the mid-20s by the weekend. Daytime averages for this time of year sit around 22.2 C, so these temperatures trend close to expected values. 

Locals may see some raindrops ahead of the weekend as a trough of low pressure brings the possibility of showers overnight on Wednesday, July 24, and continues through Thursday. However, no major storm is expected, Ervin told V.I.A. 

"We are moving out of a period of high heat but we do have a dynamic and evolving wildfire situation and you do need to stay alert," she noted. 

Will Metro Vancouver see another heat wave this summer?

Ervin said major weather systems can be observed further out than smaller ones, such as some low-pressure systems, meaning it is possible to spot a major heat event as far as 14 days in advance. 

Environment Canada does not see any hot weather anomalies in the upcoming forecast over the next eight to 10 days but August could see another heat event. 

When asked how many heat waves the region typically sees annually, Ervin said it is "completely dependent on the weather pattern from year to year" and based on "large-scale weather patterns" across the continent. 

The department is calling for a moderate probability of above-average temperatures for August. However, the long-term forecast doesn't show any specific weather events. 

"The signal has been shifting over the last 10 days for the month. The trend earlier in July was a moderate-high probability," she added.

The City of Vancouver has current information on places to stay cool on its hot weather page. 


Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with V.I.A.'s Weatherhood.