A "major" heat wave expected to hit Richmond this weekend has prompted Environment Canada to release a Special Weather Statement to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Furthermore the City of Richmond is urging people to take due care in the city.
Temperatures could reach 30 degrees Celsius, particularly at inland portions of the city. The potentially record-breaking heat is a result of a strong ridge of high pressure over the West Coast.
Low temperatures on Saturday and Sunday will only get down to 18 degrees so residents should expect a balmy evening as well.
Conditions will feel more like the mid-thirties, according to the Weather Network.
The normal high temperature for this time is 20 degrees while the normal low is 18 degrees.
Environment Canada stated the "major" heat wave may result in a record-breaking June for heat.
City spokesperson Ted Townsend said if it's needed the city will set up "cooling centres" in community centres.
"During an extreme heat event, residents should have a personal plan in place. This includes staying hydrated, staying in the shade, avoiding working or exercising in the heat and having water and food on hand, finding a cooler place in their homes or deciding where in the community they could go to get out of the heat," said Townsend.
Learn about Richmond's microclimate by clicking here
Here are five suggestions to stay cool in the city while still enjoying being out and about:
1. Go swimming. South Arm Outdoor Pool is open for public swimming from noon to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Steveston Outdoor Pool offers public swimming from 1-5 p.m. Friday and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. You can also enjoy public swims at Watermania from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Minoru Aquatic Centre also offers public swims from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
2. Public skates at Richmond Ice Centre from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and 7:30-9 p.m. Friday or 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Richmond Olympic Oval has public skates from 8-9: 30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and 3:15-5 p.m.
3. Go to Steveston where it may be cooler as a result of the ocean breeze. The River Queen passenger boat offers mini-cruises along the Steveston waterfront every Sunday this summer. The first boat leaves Steveston’s Fisherman’s Wharf at 10 a.m. and the last trip leaves the dock at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site at 4:35 p.m. Round trip will take approximately 55 minutes. Call 604-274-9565 for ticket information.
4. Go to a community centre and partake in an indoor activity.
5. Find a park and have a picnic underneath some trees.
